St. Jarlath by Harry Clarke

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Saint Jarlath, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Tuam, was a fifth century Irish bishop who was known as a disciple of St. Enda. St. Jarlath founded a monastery at Cloonfush, hear Tuam, having chosen this location because the wheel of his chariot broke here according to tradition. Scholars from all parts of Ireland were attracted to this monastery.

He is depicted wearing a blue/purple chasuble trimmed in green over red, purple and ivory robes. In his hand he carried a representation of the monastery he founded.

The overhead symbol for St. Jarlath, as indicated by Harry Clarke, is a shrine, which may have contained the relics of the Saint. Relics played an important role in Christian life.

The predella: “St. Jarlath teaching SS Colman and Brendan” shows a hooded St. Jarlath teaching the two younger monks. The flame of a large candle represents the gift of spiritual blessing.