St. Donald
lived in Olgivy, in
Forfarshire,
Scotland, in
the early part of the 8th century. Upon the death of his wife, he and his nine
daughters began to live a monastic lifestyle at home under his direction,
cultivating the land by hand, and eating barely bread and water once a day.
After St. Donald's repose, his daughters all entered a monastery in Abernethy,
founded by Ss. Darlugdach and Brigid, where they became known as the
Nine Maidens, or the Nine Holy Virgins.