St. Patrick

I'm really excited about St. Patrick's Day this year! I've been reading (actually listening to on CD) a history called "How the Irish Saved Civilization" and it is so interesting. Patrick is one of my new heroes. He was the first missionary to spread the Gospel message outside of the Roman empire to the uncivilized peoples of the world. He shared the love of Christ with the Irish and it was pretty much the only conversion of a people group without bloodshed. He was also one of the first abolitionists and defended slaves, gave a voice to women and the oppressed, and ushered in a Christian community where people were free to be themselves and did not stand condemned but forgiven. He was quite a revolutionary voice in 460 CE, with the message of the gospel nearly putting an end to tribal warfare and pagan human sacrifice in isolated Ireland.

Also, I take a special interest in Ireland because it's one of the few countries outside of the US where I have traveled. Not sure what all of the belligerent drinking is about, but St. Patrick is surely a figure to remember.

Throwbacks from 2009, Dublin and Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

 Later monks and abbots after Patrick lived in these little bee hives