Saint Ultan was a seventh-century Irish monk and abbot who belonged to the family of Saints Fursey and Foillan. Following his brother Fursey's mission to East Anglia around 633, he resided there first as a monastic probationer and subsequently as an anchorite. He later moved to Merovingian Gaul, where he lived alongside his brother Foillan. Recognized for his musical talents, he is also remembered for teaching psalmody to nuns in Brabant.
Life and travels
Born into a royal lineage in Ireland, Ultan joined a mission to the kingdom of East Anglia. He lived near the coast at Cnobheresburg, a site possibly identified with modern Burgh Castle. After serving his probationary period, he lived as a hermit. Following attacks on the East Anglian monastery, he and Foillan fled to Nivelles, where they were welcomed by Saint Gertrude.
Musical legacy
Ultan was noted for his skills as a composer and conductor. Around 653, Saint Gertrude requested that he and his brother Foillan travel to her monastery to instruct her nuns in the art of psalmody. This musical instruction led to the establishment of a monastery at Fosse, located in the diocese of Liege.