St. Deicolus, Abbot, Native of Ireland

[In Irish Dichul, called by the French, St. Deel, or Diey.] HE quitted Ireland, his native country, with St. Columban, and lived with him, first in the kingdom of the East Angles, and afterwards at Luxeu; but when his master quitted France, he founded the abbey of Lutra, or Lure, in the diocess of Besanzon, which was much enriched by king Clothaire II. 1 Amidst his austerities, the joy and peace of his soul appeared in his countenance. St. Columban once said to him in his youth: “Deicolus, why are you always smiling?” He answered in simplicity: “Because no one can take my God from me.” He died in the seventh century. See his life and the history of his miracles in F. Chifflet, and Mabillon, Acta Bened. t. 2. p. 103, both written by a monk of Lure in the tenth century, as the authors of l’Hist. Lit. de la France take notice, t. 6. p. 410. By moderns, this saint is called Deicola; but in ancient MSS. Deicolus. In Franche-comté his name Deel is frequently given in baptism, and Deele to persons of the female sex.

Note 1. The abbot of Lure was formerly a prince of the empire. At present the abbey is united to that of Morbac in Alsace. Lure is situated three leagues from Luxeu, which stands near Mount Vosge, two leagues from Lorrain towards the south. [back]

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