Saint Patrick Food Cooking International Guide

Saint Patrick Loved By The Irish

By Patrick D Kelly

In 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 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 food and cooking including Irish Recipes, Crock Pot Soup, Vegetarian Crock Pot, Sabatier Knives, Wood Bread Box, Black and Decker Coffee, Kitchen Equipment.
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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