Celtic Cross Of Saint Patrick

PURCHASE THE CELTIC CROSS OF SAINT PATRICK

• $34.95St. Patrick Cross

Wall Hanging Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross of Saint Patrick is a stunning example of Celtic craftsmanship and intricate detailing.  Designed in traditional Celtic style, the cross is centered around the patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.  The elaborate Celtic symbolism and old world charm of this wall hanging cross makes an excellent conversation piece. Constructed from bonded stone, this Celtic cross measures 12" high and weighs approximately 3 lbs.

History Of St. Patrick'S Influence On Christianity

Unlike many other early Saints, quite a lot is known about St. Patrick, mainly due to the existence of his 'autobiography' (the Confession). Patrick was born sometime between 387 - 390 AD to a wealthy, high ranking Romano-British family.  He was initially given the birth name of Maewyn Succat and only later given the baptismal name of Patricius (or Patrick) by Pope Celestine, prior to his mission to Ireland.

St. Patrick was not overly religious as a child but this changed when, at the age of 16 (c 405), he was kidnapped by Irish raiders under the command of High King Niall. He was taken to Antrim and sold to Meliuc, a local landowner and druidic high priest, as a slave. For the next six years, St. Patrick worked as a shepherd, tending his flock on the slopes of Slemish, near the modern town of Ballymena. During his time in Ireland he learnt the language and the customs of his captors along with the pagan rituals they followed - skills which he used to good effect in later years. St. Patrick spent much of this time in constant prayer and, after six years captivity, had a dream in which he was told that his ship was ready. He escaped and travelled 200 miles south to the sea where he boarded a ship leaving for Gaul. St. Patrick was finally reunited with his family in Britain.

However, by this time St. Parick had decided that he wanted to return to Ireland as a missionary and began to study as a priest. Between 412 - 415 St. Patrick studied at the monastery on the island sanctuary of Lerins, off the Cote d'Azur. This was followed by further years of study at the monastery of Auxerre, under the guidance of St Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre who ordained him in 417. St. Patrick then spent a further 15 years as a disciple of Germanus. During this time he still harboured a burning desire to return to Ireland and, in 431 on the death of Palladius, first Bishop of Ireland, this wish was granted when Patrick was chosen to take his place. However, St. Patrick was called to Rome first where, in 432, Pope Celestine consecrated him as Bishop - and where he was given the baptismal name of 'Patricius'.

St. Patrick travelled to Ireland, together with 25 followers, arriving at Slane in the winter of 432/433. He made his base at Armagh, in the north of the country, and was given the protection of Dichiu, a local king, who became one of the first converts to Christianity and gifted a large barn (Sabhall - pronounced Saul) which was the first church established by St. Patrick. Over the next few years St. Patrick made extensive and successful missionary journeys throughout Ireland, spending his time preaching, teaching, building churches, opening schools and monasteries and converting chiefs and bards the length and the breadth of the country.

He continued this work until his death, on 17 March 461 at Saul, County Down. During St. Patrick's life he consecrated no fewer than 350 bishops and established the Catholic faith within Ireland. It is believed that he was buried about two miles from Saul, wrapped in a shroud which had been woven by St Brigid - in later years, the cathedral of Down was built on this site. After his death, St. Patrick became a legendary figure and was credited with many miracles, the most famous of which is that he chased snakes from Ireland. However, it is believed that this referred to him eliminating paganism as snakes are a pagan symbol. St. Patrick is also famous for describing the concept of the Trinity by using a shamrock leaf. St. Patrick is remembered as a Bishop and missionary and is best known as the patron saint of Ireland.