The holy viaticum and last anointing were administered to him by St.Tussach.[133] The saint's age at the time of his death, as also the length of his mission in Ireland, has been put at a much longer period by some authors, but modern research and correction of chronology have all but verified the statement given above.
The intelligence of the death of St.Patrick spread rapidly through the country; prelates and priests flocked from all parts to honour the mortal remains of their glorious father.

As each arrived at Saull, he proceeded to offer the adorable sacrifice according to his rank.

At night the plain resounded with the chanting of psalms; and the darkness was banished by the light of such innumerable torches, that it seemed even as if day had hastened to dawn brightly on the beloved remains.

St.
Fiacc, in his often-quoted Hymn, compares it to the long day caused by the standing of the sun at the command of Joshua, when he fought against the Gabaonites.
It is said that the pagan Irish were not without some intimation of the coming of their great apostle.

Whether these prophecies were true or false is a question we cannot pretend to determine; but their existence and undoubted antiquity demand that they should have at least a passing notice.