Career
Originally from Ireland, he built on Lindisfarne, a cathedral "in the Irish fashion", employing hewn oak, with a thatched roof, dedicated to Saint Peter. He also founded Saint Mary"s at the mouth of the River Tyne. Bede is the main source for Finan"s life.
He is specially noticed by the Venerable Bede as having borne an important part in the conversion of the northern Saxons.
The breviary of Aberdeen styles him "a man of venerable life, a bishop of great sanctity, an eloquent teacher.. remarkable for his training in virtue and his liberal education, surpassing all his equals in every manner of knowledge as well as in circumspection and prudence, but chiefly devoting himself to good works and presenting in his life, a most apt example of virtue". Finan ordained Saint Cedd bishop of the East-Saxons, having called two other bishops to assist at his consecration.
The Abbey of Whitby, his chief foundation, was the scene of the famous Paschal controversy, which resulted in the withdrawal of the Irish monks from Lindisfarne. Finan was active for some time at a monastery on Church Island on Lough Currane in County Kerry.
Today it is known as Saint Finan"s Church.
To the south of the lake is Inis Uasal (Noble Island), an island which is dedicated to him. Finan died and was buried at Lindisfarne, having held that see ten years. Finan"s feast day is celebrated upon 9 January.
