St. Patrick was a Christian missionary given major credit
for the conversion of Ireland from paganism.
So many legends surround his life that the truth is not easily found.
St. Patrick was born the son of a Christian in what is now Britain.
As a teen Patrick was kidnapped by an Irish raiding party and forced
into slavery. After six years he escaped and made his way back home.
Soon after, Patrick revealed that he received a Divine call in a dream
to return to Ireland as a Christian Missionary. After being ordained
as a Priest, he then traveled to Ireland, spending the rest of his
life converting pagans, founding churches, and ordaining clergymen.
It is agreed that St. Patrick was the leader in the Christianization
of pagan Ireland.
St. Patrick became a hero in Ireland.
Nearly 75 Churches and Cathedrals are named for him in Ireland,
the most famous being the giant St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.
The grounds of this Cathedral bear the mark of the site on which
St. Patrick baptized his converts.
May St. Patrick guard you wherever
you go and guide you in
whatever you do. And may his loving
protection be a blessing to you, always.
(Irish Blessing)
Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on;
'Twas not given for thee alone,
Pass it on;
Let it travel down the years,
Lit it wipe another's tears,
'Till in Heaven the deed appears-
Pass it on.
~ Henry Burton ~
 
Another Irish Blessing:
May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Tina's Prayer Gate
March 17, 2003
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