St. Patrick the Evangelist
Learning the history behind some people and places is especially fascinating when hearing the ties to the gospel. According to Christianity Today and History.com
Patrick was captured at the age of 16 (405 A.D.) in Scotland when his parents land was invaded; and made a slave to a clan chief in “radically pagan” Ireland. History.com says he worked as an enslaved shepherd where he spent much time outdoors and alone. Though not a believer before he arrived, CT reported that he spent his bondage mainly in prayer. He escaped six years later through a suggestion in a dream and returned home to Scotland. It seems he studied Christianity for the next 15 fifteen years.
He returned to evangelize Ireland years after he escaped; also said to be by the suggestion of a dream. Christianity Today reports ‘it was his strategy to convert chieftains (of clans) who would then influence their people. His former master was one of his first converts. Though he didn’t convert the whole island, he was quite successful’ says CT. His holiday is held on the day of his death, March 17, 461 A.D.
It is thought that some of the Irish Celtic ancestors were influenced by the Apostle Paul because the word Celts also translates “Galatians”. I found this eighth century Celtic Prayer acknowledging God the Creator also on CT. The link is below.
I Rise Today - The most famous Celtic prayer shows why the Celts are known for exalting both creation and the Creator (Christianity Today)
https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-60/i-rise-today.html
