Saint Felim was a sixth-century Irish priest, hermit, and bishop who lived during the mid-500s. Born into a noble lineage in County Meath, he was a student of Saint Columba and eventually became the first known Bishop of Kilmore. He is recognized for establishing a monastery near Kilmore in County Cavan, a site where he lived as a hermit. As a significant figure in early Irish Christianity, he is remembered as the patron saint of the Kilmore diocese.
Life and work
Following his studies, Felim lived as a monk in the monastery at Slanore. He later moved to the area of Kilmore, where he founded the monastery known as Cill Mór. His religious leadership led to his role as the inaugural bishop of the Kilmore diocese. Local traditions suggest that the foundations of later cathedrals in the region, including the Church of Ireland's St Fethlimidh's Cathedral, were built upon the original site of his church.
Veneration
The saint is commemorated in the Catholic tradition with a feast day on 9 August. While some historical martyrologies list his day as 3 August, this earlier date likely marked the beginning of an annual week-long fair held in his honor in Kilmore. He remains a significant figure of devotion in the region, particularly within the diocese he helped establish.