Malachias was borne in Ardmagh of noble parents,[1] cherished in vertue by example of his Mother, and trayned up in learning, even yet a very babe, he was oft times espied to steale from his companions to pray in secret, so grave & modest, that of himselfe he choosed alwayes the most severe and rigorous Schoolemasters, and refused an excellent Clerke, only because he saw him, somewhat lightly demeaned at game, In the beginning of his youth hee yeelded himselfe the Disciple of Imarius,[2] an old recluse, whose austerity of conversation, the whole towne admired. There he became a Deacon, and at twenty five yeares a Priest. The Archbishop for the fame and opinion of his worthinesse, made him his Coadjutor, in the which office he reformed superstitions and revived the strength of religion, specially the uniformitie of their Church service, wherein before time they jarred. The famous monastery of Banchor he reedified, of the patrimony & legacies by his Vncle left him. The same Monastery was of old time, first governed by Congellos, and then proceeded Columbanus, the father of many religious houses in France. Banchor had beene so stored with Moncks, that no houre of day nor night they ceased, but some company or other was in continuall succession at divine service. Of which brethren there were in one day murthred 900. and the place spoyled, whose possessions conveyed to Malachias by his Vncle,
