In the country of Scotland, about 400 years after the death of Jesus, there lived a young lad named Patrick. His father was wealthy and respected, and Patrick had a good life. He thanked God often for the blessings he had been given.
Then one day, at the age of sixteen, Patrick's life changed. He was captured by a group of pirates, who bound him and took him to Ireland, where he was forced to live as a slave and tend sheep for his owner.
Patrick was not allowed to do as he wished. Though his life was no longer his own, neither did it belong to his owner - for Patrick knew that his true Master was Jesus, and through Him he prayed and continued to thank God for all that he had. He knew that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Day upon day, year after year, Patrick prayed, while his faith continued to grow. He began to have visions from God, and the way to escape was revealed to him. The visions led Patrick to a ship, on which he stowed away to the northern coast of Gaul. After six years of slavery, Patrick was finally free!
In Gaul, years later, Patrick realized that his life should be to serve God, and he became a priest. He had another vision, which told him that he must return to Ireland, where he had been a slave, to preach God's word.
TheIrish people at that time, did not believe in God, and worshipped pagan images of snakes.Patrick lived and preached in Ireland for forty years, converting all of Ireland to Christianity,and during that time he became a Bishop.
The symbols, carvings and statues of snakes, which the Irish had once worshipped, were burned and destroyed; and the souls of the Irish were blessed by their conversion.Patrick died on March 17, around the year 461,comforted in the knowledge that Ireland now belonged to God.
The shamrock symbolizes the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
The green colour is the symbol of Ireland as well as the symbol of luck and good fortune.
Ireland is also called the Emerald Island, because of its green landscape, too.
So, now you know a little more about Ireland and its Patron - St.Patrick.
Never forget : " HAVING EDUCATION is HAVING FREEDOM OF CHOICE"
Manuela Galante
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário