Ireland - The Island of Saints and Scholars

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(Free-Press-Release.com) February 15, 2012 -- The coming of Christianity to Ireland in the early 5th century was unlike its arrival in any other county. Throughout much of he Roman Empire the religion was spread by sword and edict, imposed upon a conquered people by the occupying Roman administration. But in Ireland Christianity arrived not by the sword but by persuasive missionaries who brought the good word to the pagan Gaels and establish a vibrant Church.

It is claimed that the arrival of St Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland but historian believe he was not the first Christian to reach these shores. It is believed there were enough converts in Ireland before St Patricks arrival to encourage Pope Celestine to appoint Irelands first bishop as overseer of the Irish believing in Christ.

The Roman model of the Church with bishops overseeing established dioceses soon proved unworkable in the rural land that lacked the complex Roman structure of towns & villages. With the collapse of the Roman Empire the Irish Church was cut off from Rome’s direct influence.

The going number of converts who wanted to dedicate their lives to Christianity established monasteries in large numbers. Some driving by the desire to become pilgrims for Christ sailed away to foreign lands to bringing the message of Christianity with them.

Monasteries in Ireland were at first austere simple groups in the woods that hourse small communities of the faithful but by the 6th & 7th centeries montasieries spead rapidly throughout Ireland. These truned into sophistices plasec of worship, learning and artistic enterprises. The Gospels were recorded in lavishly illuminated manuscripts such as the book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, now regarded as priceless works of art. Monasteries also were places of metalwork, woodwork, stone carving as we as other crafts.

By the mid 6th century Christianity had largely displaces the ancient pagan rites. It did however enhance the native culture by introducing the Irish to the Latin and Roman alphabet which quickly replaced the limited Ogham script. The Church in turn was influenced Celtic society with many legends inspired by Celtic myths which has left Ireland with a rich culture.

If you would like to learn more about Ireland colourful secular past and how this period in history has created a wealth of ancients ruins then contact O’Connor Autotours re their faith based Ireland Tour http://www.oconnorautotours.ie/ireland_tour_religious.html

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