Saint Kevin of Glendalough: Hermit, Abbot, and Miracle Worker

Jena Muhr reviews a biography of an Irish saint, especially for readers ages 9 and up.

Saint Kevin of Glendalough: Hermit, Abbot, and Miracle Worker

by Father Kevin McKenzie
Publisher: Ignatius Press

The book Saint Kevin of Glendalough by Father Kevin McKenzie is part storytelling and part biography. It tells the story of the life, formation, and spiritual desire of Saint Kevin. Taking place in Ireland during the sixth century, the book begins when Kevin is a child and sets the spiritual stage for the new religion of Christianity in Ireland. It talks about the struggles that Kevin faced in life and the faith that he moved with and his desire to bring faith to the Irish people.  

The author, Father McKenzie, spent seven years researching and traveling to the places where Saint Kevin lived and worked. The setting of Glendalough sounds idyllic, and the care which Father McKenzie describes the setting and people shows how much this project has meant to him.   

A Saint Story for Ages 9 and Up

I found the book to start off slow. It took me a few pages to get into the flow of the story, but by the end I enjoyed it. The book is written for readers ages nine and above. If you have a child writing a report on a saint, this would be a very good option for learning about Saint Kevin.  

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Jena Muhr
Images: (top) detail from cover