Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1915-03-13
SKETCH OF ST. PATRICK.

tempiion. There, too, he performed
his first miracle on Irish soil, to con-
firm the honor due to the Blessed
Virgin and the divine birth of our
Saviour. Leaving one OF his COM
panions 10 continue the work OF in
struction so auspiciously begun, he
fastened forward 10 .Strangford
Tough, and there quitting his boat
continued his journey toward
Slemish.
He had not proceeded far when
chieftain, named Dichu, appeared on
the scene to prevent his further Bd-
vance. He drew his sword 10 smite
as Il statue and continued 50 until
he declared himself obedient TO Pat
rick Overcome by the saints meek
ness and miracles, Dichu asked for
instruction and made a gift of a large
barn in which the sacred mysteries
were offered up. This was the h-st
sanctuary dedicated TO st. Patrick in
Erin II became in later years
chosen retreat Of the saint. A mon
astery and church was erected there,
and the hallowed site retains the
name OF Sobhall pronounced SAUL
to the present day. Continuing his
journey toward Slemish. the saint
was struck with horror on seeing at
a distance the fort OF his old master
Milchu enveloped in flames. The
fame of Parick's marvellous power OF
miracle preceded him Milchu in
1T of fren y gathered his treasures
into his mansion and. setting IL on
fire, cast himself into the flames.
Returning to Saul, ST. Patrick
learned from Dichu that the chiftains
OF Erin had been summoned to cele-
brate a special feast at Tara by
Leorghaire, who was the Ard-Righ---
that is supreme monarch of Ireland.
This was an opportunity which Pat
rick would not forego; he would pre-
sent himself before the assembly 10
strike q decisive blow against the
Druidism that held the nation cap
tive. and TO secure freedom for the
glad tidings OF redemption. OF which
he was the herald As he journeyed
on he rested for some days at the
mouse Of a chieftain, Seesnen. who
with his household joyousiy embraced
The faith The youthful Benen or
Benienus, the son OF the chief, was in
special way captivated by the gos-
pei doctrines and the meekness OF
Patrick While the saint slumbered
he would gather sweet scented flow
ers and scatter them over his bosom.
and when Patrick was setting and
LII nd Tur
Benen chung TO his feet, declaring
that nothing should sever him from
him. ALLOW him TO have his way,
said st. Patrick TO the chieftain, he
shall be heir to my sacred mission"
Thenceforth Benen Was the in
separable companion of the saint and
the prophecy was fulfilled, for Benen
is named among the successors Of 81.
Patrick in Armagh
II was on March 20. Easter Sun
day. in 433. that the eyentfui AS
sembly was TO meet at Tara. and the
decree went forth that from the
preceding day the fires throughout
the kingdom should be extinguished
until the signnl blaze was kindled at
the royal mansion The chiefs and |
Brehons came in full numbers. and
the Druids, too. would muster all |
their strength TO bid defiance to the |
herald OF good tidings. and 10 secure |
The hold OF their superstition on the |
Celtic race, for their demoniac |
oracles had announced that the mes
sengcr OF Christ had come TO Erin. |
81. Patrick arrived at the hill OF
slane, at the opposite extremity OF
Tara, on Easter eve, In that year the
Feast OF the Annunciation, and on /
he summit of the hill kindled the
Daschal fire. The Druids at once
raised their voice-"O King" they /
said, live forever: this fire. which
las been lighted In defiance OF the
loyal edict. viii blaze forever in this
and unless IL be this very night ex-
inguished." by order Of the King
md the agency OF the Drulds r.
,eated attempts we're made 10 ex-
inguish the blessed fire and to pun
sh with death the intruder who had
the royal command. But
he fire was not extinguished. and
shielded by the Divine
,ower. came unscsthed from their
,nares and assaults. On Easter day /
he missionary band. having At their
read Benignus bearing aloft a copy
n the gospels and Followed By St. 4
Patrick, who with mitre and croxier
vas arrayed IN ful episcopal attire. \
proceeded in professional order TO
Tara. The Druids and magicians put 1
or;h all their strength and employed
N their incantations TO maintain