Friday, May 25, 2012

May 25, St. Patrick



Saint Patrick
By Mary Long


St. Patrick was believed to be born in the late 4th century. He is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. He is credited with promoting Christianity throughout Ireland.


St. Patrick is known for his spiritual biography, called the Confession, and his literary work the Epistola, the denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians.


St. Patrick is also credited with driving out paganism from Ireland, he was known for “driving the snakes from Ireland.” The serpents or snakes were the idols that the pagans had worshiped.


Patrick was said to be responsible for the baptism of the Druid warrior chief and his clan at the “Holy Wells,” which still bears its name today. It was stated that thousands were baptized here.


There are several accounts of how St. Patrick died. The most well known is that he died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland on March 17th, 460 AD.


The celebration of St. Patrick's Day became associated with everything Irish. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the trinity to the local pagans hence becoming the National flower of Ireland. People celebrate by wearing green, attending parades and bellying up to the local pub to consume some green ale. Although the parades and shamrocks are fun, the fundamental meaning behind St. Patricks day is traditionally for spiritual renewal and the offering of prayers for missionaries worldwide.

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