Saints Of Ireland Food Cooking International Guide

Saints Of Ireland With Tales Of Tragedy And Triumph

By Patrick D Kelly

The saints of Ireland are all holy people and dedicated members of the church who chose to dedicate their lives to serving God. The saints were not morally perfect and they ranged from kind to heroic in nature.

Some preached the messages of the Christian Church, while others performed miracles or died for their beliefs. These were people who were conscious of their connection with the body of saints and who worshipped in their everyday lives.

These individuals were meant to serve as examples to inspire members of the Church and provide a closer link to God Himself. The Church of Ireland celebrates national days in memory of Saint Patrick, Saint Columba and Saint Brigid, to name a few.

The Patron Saint Of Ireland

Of all the Irish saints, Saint Patrick is undoubtedly the most world renowned, which is fitting, since he is the "patron saint of Ireland." In his teenage years, Patrick was sold into slavery for six years, where he tended sheep. Upon his escape, Patrick experienced a vision that would bring him back to his homeland on a special mission. Other details of St Patrick remain unknown or have been embellished by folklore over the years.

For example, there are many images of "casting the snakes out of Ireland," although there were no snakes in Ireland during the medieval period. Instead, this story is meant to be allegorical about how Saint Patrick drove the pagans (snakes) out of Ireland.

Spread The Word Of Christianity

Today this inspiration for Irish festivals and Irish celebrations on March 17th is credited with spreading Christianity throughout Northern Ireland and contributing to the rapid growth of the religion.

Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of three patron saints of Ireland, was one of Patrick's converts who dedicated herself to religious life as a nun, abbess and bishop. Stories of her say that she had a generous heart and could never refuse assistance to poor people who came to her door.

The Patron Saint Of Travelers

She gave them flour, milk and jewels whenever she had the chance. It's no surprise, then, that she is the patron saint of travelers, poultry farmers, dairy workers, babies and the poor. Brigid is noted for opening some of the best convents and monasteries and chapels in Ireland. The Irish celebrate her feast day on February 1st.

Some saints of Ireland have rather tragic tales and leave behind relics of their bodies to serve as reminders of Irish history. For instance, Saint Laurence O'Toole served as a monk at Glendalough and an Archbishop of Dublin.

A Display Of His Heart In Christ Church Cathedral

During the Anglo-Norman conquest, he became a Papal legate in 1179, much to the chagrin of England's King Henry II, who banned Laurence from entering his home country. Despite his unfair exile, Laurence was Irish through and through. His heart is now on display at Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral.

Likewise, Saint Oliver Plunkett, a priest in 1654 and an Archbishop of Armagh in 1666, Titus Oates wrongfully persecuted and convicted Plunkett as a "traitor," ordering him hanged, disembowelled and quartered.

Today his thighbone is in the church of Oldcastle in County Meath and his head is on display in Drogheda.

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?

What are some usual customs of Saint Patrick's Day?
One of the most common customs associated with Saint Patrick's Day is the wearing of green. It is said that if you wear green on this day you will have good luck. The shamrock also plays an integral part of the customs of this day.

A 4-leafed clover is said to be good luck but the 3-leafed clover is a symbol of the Holy Trinity of the Catholic Church. Other common customs involve food and drinking. It is widely accepted that on this day you should eat corned beef and drink beer.

Whether or not you want to dye your beer green is entirely up to you. There are usually parades held in major cities that have a large Irish population or are descended from Irish.

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