Att text: Both the Hibernensis (written in the early 8^th century) and the Book of Armagh (c. 807) preserve canons attributed to St. Patrick. In the Hibernensis, some are explicitly introduced with formulae such as “Patricius episcopus dicit,” while the Armagh tradition likewise transmits material under Patrick’s authority. However, as Flechner (2019) shows, these attributions are only securely attested in these later manuscripts, several centuries after Patrick’s lifetime.

1. From the Hibernensis #

¹ Patrick, concerning unity and of subjects * * *. Who therefore dares to rend unity, which no man is able to dissolve or reproach? “Now the multitude of believers had one heart and one soul, and there was no division among them, nor did anyone say that anything of his goods was his own, but all things were common to them: […] and great grace was upon them all; nor indeed was there anyone needy among them; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses, selling them brought the prices of those things and laid them at the feet of the Apostles, and distribution was made to each as he had need [Acts 4:32–35]. But a certain man, by name Ananias, with Sapphira his wife […]; and bringing a certain part, laid it at the feet of the Apostles […]: but Peter said to him, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to commit fraud concerning the price of the land? While it remained, did it not remain yours, and being sold was it not in your power? Why have you set in your heart to do this evil? You have not lied to men but to God. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and expired” [Acts 5:1–5].

2. From the Book of Armagh #

¹ Likewise, whoever in like manner by contrivance and injury or wickedness shall have carried out any evil work against his household or his diocese, or shall have despised his aforesaid insignia, the case of the whole matter shall rightly come to the liberty of examination of that same prelate of Armagh judging rightly, all other judges being set aside.

² Likewise, whatever very difficult case shall have arisen and be unknown to all the judges of the nations of the Scots, is to be rightly referred to the chair of the Archbishop of the Irish, that is, of Patrick, and to the examination of this prelate.

³ But if in that place with his wise men it cannot easily be resolved, we have decreed that the case of the aforesaid matter is to be sent to the Apostolic See, that is, to the chair of the Apostle Peter having authority of the city of Rome.

⁴ These are they who decreed this, that is, Auxilius, Patrick, Secundinus, Iserninus. But after the death of Patrick, his disciples diligently wrote his books.