Saint Patrick Research Paper
Saint Patrick is one of the most well known saints in the Christian faith. He is known as the patron saint of Ireland who converted all of Ireland to Christianity, drove all the snakes out of Ireland, and used the three-leafed shamrock to symbolize the Holy Trinity. His feast day is on March 17, and it is a holiday known for its large scale celebrations in Ireland and all over other Christian countries, including the United States.
But there are some misconceptions surrounding Saint Patrick. For example, few may know that Saint Patrick hasn’t technically been canonized as a saint because during his life, the church didn’t have an official canonization process and only gave the title of “Saint” to martyrs. Another misbelief is that Saint Patrick literally drove all the snakes out of Ireland. However, scholars and priests say that because there were no snakes on the island of Ireland, it is a metaphor to Saint Patrick driving out the pagan beliefs and replacing it with Christianity. Furthermore, Saint Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He …show more content…
He died in Saul, Ireland, where he had built the first Irish church, and was given a simple burial in Down Cathedral. In 1986, his grave was renovated with a large stone over his grave with a plaque telling his life story.
Today, Saint Patrick’s Day has evolved from a small, holy feast day in Ireland started in the seventeenth century, to a modern holiday celebrated around the world. The modern interpretation has steered away from the holy remembrance of Saint Patrick to a celebration of Irish lore and festivities. This ranges from parades, music and dance festivals featuring authentic cuisine and drink, and a whole lot of green.
Saint Patrick was a very influential person who converted the pagan Irish to Christianity. And not just is he an inspiring role model and saint to Christians, but he is also an iconic symbol of Ireland and its history
But there are some misconceptions surrounding Saint Patrick. For example, few may know that Saint Patrick hasn’t technically been canonized as a saint because during his life, the church didn’t have an official canonization process and only gave the title of “Saint” to martyrs. Another misbelief is that Saint Patrick literally drove all the snakes out of Ireland. However, scholars and priests say that because there were no snakes on the island of Ireland, it is a metaphor to Saint Patrick driving out the pagan beliefs and replacing it with Christianity. Furthermore, Saint Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He …show more content…
He died in Saul, Ireland, where he had built the first Irish church, and was given a simple burial in Down Cathedral. In 1986, his grave was renovated with a large stone over his grave with a plaque telling his life story.
Today, Saint Patrick’s Day has evolved from a small, holy feast day in Ireland started in the seventeenth century, to a modern holiday celebrated around the world. The modern interpretation has steered away from the holy remembrance of Saint Patrick to a celebration of Irish lore and festivities. This ranges from parades, music and dance festivals featuring authentic cuisine and drink, and a whole lot of green.
Saint Patrick was a very influential person who converted the pagan Irish to Christianity. And not just is he an inspiring role model and saint to Christians, but he is also an iconic symbol of Ireland and its history