Gathering together a number of texts written in Latin in the fourth and fifth centuries A.D., Liam De Paor masterfully illustrates the spread of Christianity through Western Europe to Ireland and sheds light on the organization of the western church at the time.Saint Patrick's World also includes a selection of later writings and extracts, the work of early medieval authors who tried to tell the story on the basis both of documents now lost and of legends and folktales. The ancient writings selected and translated here place at the disposal of the general reader and the interested student the main evidence for one of the most important episodes in Irish history: the peaceful transformation of a pagan tribal society into a Christian kingdom which soon entered its Golden Age.
The legend of Saint Patrick is irresistibly captivating-he drove the snakes out of Ireland, battled the druids, and used the three-leaf Shamrock to convert the pagan Irish to belief in the Christian Trinity. Yet, as so often happens, these stories are mere myths that fold under closer scrutiny. Snakes never plagued the Irish countryside, and the Emerald Isle's most beloved saint wasn't even Irish but a Briton of the Roman nobility. Fortunately, the truth is even more fascinating. In The World of Saint Patrick, classical scholar Philip Freeman offers the definitive account of Saint Patrick's life through new and vibrant translations of the greatest works of early Christian Ireland. This story of great violence, brutality, and even greater faith begins with two letters Patrick wrote describing his kidnapping by pirates at age sixteen and subsequent slavery. Although his grandfather was a priest and his father a deacon, at the time of his kidnapping Patrick had rejected his childhood faith in favor of atheism. Yet in this deeply moving narrative, Patrick recounts how he regained his faith during his captivity, and how the voice of God guided him both in his escape from bondage and in his eventual return to Ireland as a missionary to the very people who had enslaved him. The World of Saint Patrick delves into colorful tales of Patrick's struggles with pagan kings, soaring hymns of praise, and a prayer of protection against forces of evil such as "the magic of women, blacksmiths, and druids." Freeman also examines the life of Saint Brigid, Ireland's first female saint, and the legendary voyage of Saint Brendan and his monks across the western ocean. Both general readers with an interest in Ireland's saints and scholars studying religion or medieval history will be unable to put down this captivating tale of Ireland's greatest saint and the remarkable times in which he lived.
This collection of essays focuses on acculturation: the impact of cultures on one another. The topics concern Ireland's dealings with the outside world up to the late Middle Ages, considering Europe, Great Britain, and the far-flung world of the Vikings.
Saint Patrick Retold draws on recent research to offer a fresh assessment of Patrick's travails and achievements. This is the first biography in nearly fifty years to explore Patrick's career against the background of historical events in late antique Britain and Ireland.
In this book St. Patrick testifies to us of his conversion, trials, and tribulations in seeking, surrendering, and suffering for Christ. Even though most of us do not dare attempt to aspire to reach the heights of St. Patrick, it is important to realize that God made each and every person an individual - not to be like another - but rather to be like Christ. He made each person unique and endows each of us with different gifts and graces. This is why we study and admire other followers of Christ but we are not to try to be exactly like another. In growing in virtue - yes. But God has a very specific wills and assignments for each of us. Nevertheless it is helpful to study and reflect on the virtues of others like St. Patrick.
Philip Freeman brings together for the first time the greatest works of early Christian Ireland, from the letters of Patrick himself to the life of Brigid, Ireland's first female saint, and the voyage of Brendan and his monks across the unknown ocean.
In this Christian Encounter Series biography, author Jonathan Rogers explores the life of Saint Patrick: slave, shepherd, and courageous missionary. Patrick was born the son of privilege and position, but he was only a teenager when he was taken from his home in Roman Britain by marauders and sold into slavery in Ireland. Despite his terrible circumstances, young Patrick did not give way to despair. As he worked as a shepherd in the pastures of his new owner, he kindled the faith he’d inherited from his family and eventually escaped to freedom. Then, after returning home, he experienced a dream that changed everything: God wanted him to go back and take the Gospel to the country of his captors. Patrick heeded the call. Both humble enough to minister to beggars and bold enough to confront kings, Patrick led the Irish through his brave and compassionate service into the Christian faith and baptized thousands. Separating the many myths from the facts, Jonathan Rogers weaves a wonder-filled tale of courage, barbarism, betrayal, and hope in God’s unceasing faithfulness. Countless miracles have been attributed to Saint Patrick, but perhaps one of the simplest and most amazing is that he won the hearts and souls of the same fierce and indomitable people who had enslaved him.
Saint Patrick is known worldwide as the patron saint of Ireland and is honored on the 17th of March every year as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebration. While it is widely celebrated as a cultural holiday, many people do not know much about the man behind the celebrations. Saint Patrick was born in Britain to a wealthy family in the 4th century. His life changed after he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. After six years of captivity, Saint Patrick escaped and eventually made his way back to Britain where he became a Christian missionary. Saint Patrick then returned to Ireland as a missionary, where he traveled the country and converted many people, built churches, and established monasteries. His approach was not confrontational but rather focused on compassion and love for the people he served. Over the centuries, his stories of miracles and conversions have become part of Irish folklore, and his influence on Irish culture has secured his place in history as a beloved symbol of the country. To this day, many people honor Saint Patrick as the patron saint of Ireland, and the feast day celebrating his life and legacy is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the world. Overall, Saint Patrick's religious knowledge and love for the people of Ireland made an enormous impact on the country. The teachings of Saint Patrick, along with a mixture of Celtic and Roman Catholic traditions, created a unique meld of Irish culture, which has had a far-reaching effect on people's way of life. This influence is reflected in the plethora of Irish festivals, music, and sports, which have been celebrated all over the world in different countries with various people.
