Christianity in Ireland
Although most of Europe was dismissing Christianity the Kings and Nobles of Ireland welcomed the new beliefs and in doing so this helped flourish a Celtic Christian civilisation that contributed to the Irish Culture for many years, even today. Samhain, which means summers end, was a belief before the rise of Christianity in Ireland and was a ritual to mark the start of the Gaelic year, although this is debated with historians. It was when christianity began to increase it was changed to Hallowmac or All Saints day, more commonly known today as Halloween.
It is believed that Niall Noigíallach, a High King of Ireland, and the Uí Néill dynasty's were the main factors of Christianity first arriving in Ireland from raiding Britain and Gaul from slaves, mercenaries and merchants which included St Patrick Patron Saint of Ireland, who was sold as a slave to Ireland at the age of sixteen.
Saint Patrick escaped Ireland 6 years after being kidnapped; he became a priest and then a Bishop. He returned to Ireland after having visions to become a Christian missionary and helped spread Christianity to the people of Ireland. Who brought Christianity to Ireland? According to Prosper of Aquitaine, Palladius was the first Bishop of the Christians of Ireland sent by the Pope.
Even though Christianity had arrived in Ireland before Saint Patrick it wasn’t widely taught amongst the locals. Rather than the Roman episcopate church the Irish church was monastic as there were still no towns. The monasteries would become the focal points of Christian learning. Another point that differed was the subject of divorce which was still allowed under the Celtic Brehon law.
There are many monasteries throughout Ireland one of which is situated in Kells, County Meath that housed the ancient Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript of the four gospels.
As Gaelic Ireland was still rural Irish Christianity took on a hermitic quality. Many Christian settlements are in remote areas. Here settlers renounced comfort for a life of self sacrifice and atonement. These places would become the centre point and creation for the land of Saint & Scholars finding some of the best free thinkers in the whole of Europe.
After Christianity was introduced to Ireland the Irish Church set about re-introducing Christianity to Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire, they setup religious settlements in France, and Italy. They spread the gospel to places like Germany and beyond where previously the word Christianity had not been heard.
Today Christianity in Ireland is still popular with the majority of the population practicing their religious beliefs on a weekly basis or even daily.
Holy Days of obligation
As part of Catholicism in Ireland people are expected to attend mass each Sunday and also on the following dates:
- Immaculate Conception - 8th December
- Christmas Day - 25th December-
- Epiphany - 6th January
- St Patrick's Day - 17th March
- Assumption of Our Lady - 15th August
- All Saints - 1st November
Video of Spiritual Ireland
A slide show of some of Ireland more spiritual locations.
