Laserian

Laserian (Laisren, Molaise) (d. 639), monk and perhaps bishop. Born in Ireland, he is venerated in both Ireland and Scotland. Little is known of his life. He was abbot of Old Leighlin (Co. Carlow), founder of Inishmurray (Co. Sligo), and propagated the Roman calculation of Easter. His Life claims improbably that he was consecrated bishop at Rome and was even a ‘papal legate’. A legend that he voluntarily accepted illness caused by thirty diseases at once, in expiation for his sins and to avoid purgatory after death, partly accounts for his present-day cult. This is centred on Inishmurray, where there are notable monastic remains and a series of praying-stations. In Scotland a cave hermitage which bears his name is on Holy Island in Lamlash Bay, off Arran. Feast: 18 April.

Bibliography
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• K.S.S., pp. 407–9; The Irish Saints, pp. 203–4