The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1899-05-19


reader either to accept the most pre-
posterOus statements in these chron-
lcles or to reject them altogether The
arlstocratic Patrick, born of noble par
ents, and used to wealth, must have
been a man OF great force of character
to have Impressed his personality so
distinctly upon the minds of the people
among whom he labored. His fathers
name was Calpurnicus, and his moth
ers was Conchessa. They came Of an
honorable family and were connected
with the nobility. They lived on a
farm which derived Its name, Enon,
slgnlfying "On the rivers edge" from
Its situation on the river Lame, which
emptles Itself into the port of Boulogne.
There Patrick was born about the year
BS7
When 16 years of age Patrick was
carried captive into Ireland by one of
the ferocious Irish kings, who were in
the habit of making calls on their
nelghbors across the sea, and helping
themselves to anything they might
want or see lying about loose Patrick,
happening to be found at an unguard-
ed moment was seized and carried
away to Ireland and to captivity by
the fearful "Nial OF the Nine Host
ages" as the Irish King was called.
Little did this monarch know that he
was making possible the conversion of
whole nation to Christianity and that
his act would be followed through all
the centuries to come by demonstra-
lions Of profoundest respect in honor of
the memory OF the captive boy. Pat
rick at this time was looked upon by
his captOrs as a prince or a religious
officer. He was taken TO County An
trim and became the slave of a man
named Milcho. His occupation was to
tend sheep on the wild boys. The mis-
cries endured in his position as a slave
caused him to turn his attention to the
wondrous things found in the religious
teachings of that day. After having
been in captivity for six years, he made
his escape by running away from his
master.
Patrick reached his own home about
the year 407 and after four years
course Of study he prepared to 20 back
TO Ireland. against the entreaties of his
friends, who realized all the mlseries
he had endured In his days of captivity.
But he asserted that he saw in a vision
OF the night man bringing him a let
ter, headed with the words, "The voice
of the Irish" and then he thought he
heard the cry OF many persons who
were straying in darkness and error.
saying, I'VE entreat thee, o holy boy.
come and walk stlll In the midst of
u.s." Greatly affected, Patrick awoke.
He did not Immediately return to Ire
land, but spent some years in retire
ment on an island. and afterward went
on a spiritual expedition to Great Brit
ain, and at later date went to Rome. |
The needs Of the Irish Christians being !
represented TO Pope Celestine, he sent
Patrick ON this mission.
lie landed in Wicklow some time
after April. 432. There he was repulsed
and proceeded to Lccale. From there
he set out by land for the place where |
his old master had lived. in the hone
OF converting him and his family. |
AAAAAMRr MS ANA AANA AAAlcAEAs MOulu NOT j
see him, and Patrick finding his eff |
forts In this direction unavailing. went |
farther into the country. He celebrated |
Easter day in the year 1913. near the |
castle Of Tara, where the princes and !
mobiles OF the whole kingdom were as
sembled. II was there that he stopped |
and plucked a shamrock. aud exhibited /
it as a symbol Of the Catholic doctrine
of the Triune God. He Is said to have |
performed many miracles about this |
time. On one occasion he is said to
have engaged in a contest with the /
wise men OF the assemblage. st. Pat |
rick made many converts, and bap- |
tized princes as well as common PEG |
pie. Wherever he went people focked |
10 hear him preach. and he spent his |
time in the conversion Of the natives |
ana in building churches and monas- |
teries. 1t is claimed that the whole |
Of the people Of Ireland and those Of