Saint Patrick Food Cooking International Guide
Saint Patrick Loved By The Irish
By Patrick D Kelly
n his writings, Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland,
often talks about "being looked down upon" or "despised
in the eyes of many." Even so, he is celebrated in Irish
culture as one of the most influential evangelists of Christianity.
Two hundred years after he began his mission to convert Irish
pagans to Christianity, the entire nation had found Christ. Of
this, St. Patrick said: "How is it that in Ireland, where
they never had any knowledge of God but, always, until now, cherished
idols and unclean things, they are lately become a people of the
Lord, and are called children of God... the Irish and the daughters
of the chieftains are to be seen as monks and virgins of Christ."
The Story Of St. Patrick
Much of what we know about the story of St Patrick was passed
down through the generations by a famous bard named St. Fiacc.
It is believed that Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents
toward the end of the fourth century.
His father, Calpurnius, was a deacon who enjoyed the tax benefits
of religious life, although there is no evidence he was particularly
devout. His mother, Concess, was a Frank and a close relative
of St. Martin of Tours.
Sold Saint Patrick Into Slavery
When Patrick was sixteen years old, Rome called on all British
soldiers to sweep Rome of "barbarians," which left Britain
wholly unarmed. Violent Irish raiders passed through the land
and attacked the family estate, killing Patrick’s father and selling
Saint Patrick into slavery.
Following his six years in captivity, Saint Patrick experienced
several powerful visions and dreams that awakened him to his cause
in life. After fifteen years of training to become a priest, Patrick
was finally ordained in Britain and returned back to Ireland to
convert more to the Christian faith.
Bonfires To Celebrate Easter
Since he was familiar with the Irish culture and language, Patrick
was able to review and connect their familiar rituals and traditions
with the lessons of Christianity, which really appealed to the
natives. He used bonfires to celebrate Easter, since the Irish
used fire to worship their gods, for instance.
He put the sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross
(which is now called the Celtic Cross) to make a meaningful symbol
for their new faith. Some say he used the three-leafed clover
to talk about "the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Slept On Bare Flagstone And A Wet Quilt
Saint Patrick lived a life of adversity and humility. Even though
his circumstances were pitiful, he turned to the Lord. Even though
Ireland was a land of torment and isolation for him, he returned
to convert the Irish people to Christianity.
He taught that the Trinity will sustain the spirit, no matter
how much misery befalls us. He spread the love of God, even when
people didn’t want to hear about it. He preached, baptized and
prayed.
St. Fiacc tells us Patrick slept on bare flagstone with a wet
quilt about him, with his head on a pillar stone and yet he sang
100 Psalms every night. For his impressive example of faith and
fortitude, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day during the month of
March each year.
About the Author:
Patrick D Kelly has written a number of articles on recipes, cooking, food and kitchen tools including
Irish Recipes,
Vegetarian Crock Pot,
Fruit Juice,
Kitchen Equipment,
Can Opener,
Kitchen Scale,
Sabatier Knives,
Wood Bread Box,
Grocery Shopping.
Keep a lookout for more articles on this website.
Did You Know?
How do people celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?
People, all across the world, celebrate Saint
Patrick’s Day differently. Some attend religious services to honor
St. Patrick. Others choose to use this day as a day of revelry.
They attend festivities where green beer is served alongside corned
beef and potatoes.
It really all comes down to each individual
person. While one may use the day of festivities to watch parades
and celebrate with friends, another may choose to celebrate the
patron saint instead. How you choose to celebrate it is all up
to you.
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