Gilpin observer., 1919-03-13
CHRISTIANITY IN IRELAND BEFORE
THE MISSION OF ST. PATRICK

only at rare intervals or under some
unusual circumstances. Thus It hap
pened that the crucifixion of Christ was
known to but few countries outside
Judea itself until long after the time Of
that tragic event. In the early histor-
les of the Milesians. however, we find
that they learned Of the crucifixion and
life OF our Lord through Conal Kear-
mach. celebrated Irish wrestler, who
had been travelling in many countries
for the purpose of meeting "on the
mat the champions Of the different
nations. He happened to be In Jerusa-
lem at the time Of our Lords passion
I and death, and was thus enabled on
his return home to give to his country
men an account of the miraculous
birth. the life and sorrowful death Of
the Goldman. Although we have no
means of determining what precise ef-
feet this astounding information produc-
ed on the minds of an impressionable
that 1t helped considerably in preparing
the soul of the Irish heart for the seeds
of Christianity which later on flourish
ed there SO luxuriantly.
There are not lacking historians who
assert that the gospel was preached in
Ireland during the lifetime of the apos-
hx,n nf fhnYv hx, thpir
disciples. The statement will not pa
pear improbable when we remember
that such undoubted authorities as st.
Jerome and ST. Augustine relate that
there was scarcely nation in the then
known world to whom Christianity was
not preached within thirty or thirty-five
years of the crucifixion. II the Gospel
did reach the Irish shore during the
, apostolic age, the divine seed would
seem to have fallen on barren soil. for
the bulk of the nation either did not
abandon their pagan worship or soon
returned to 1t. There can be no doubt
however. that many Irishmen embraced
Christianity in those early days OF
these the most distinguished was St.
Mansuy. disciple of st. Peter. and
! who at the command of that apostle
preached the gospel in Lorraine. He af-
terwards became the first Bishop of
/ Toul. and was canonized in the eleventh
century by Pope Leo IX. Dempster. a
Scotch historian. has unsuccessfully
tried to claim st. Mansuy as coun-
.tryman Of his own because of the fact
that Mansuy is called Scotch, by ear
ly historians. But this very fact up
sets Dempster's claim. because in ear
ly days and down even to the ninth or
alone were known by the name of Scot
la and Scots. II St. Mansuy. native
of Ireland. became Bishop of an inn
portant see in foreign country. we
may reasonably infer that Christianity
was not totally unknown in his own
land.
Fortunately, however, we are not de-
pendent on mere differences. however
logical and natural they may be, for
proof that Christianity was known and
practiced In Ireland long before st.
Patrick's arrival In that country. Usher
Colgan, Ware and other historians men,
tion four bishops who preached the gos-
pei In Ireland before st. Patrick was
sent on that mission by Pope Celestine.
These Bishops known ip history as the
pre-Patrician Bishops. We're Declan
Ailbe. Kieran and Ibar. and according
to the authorities above mentioned they
converted many OF their countrymen &c
the true faith. Delcan was baptized by
a priest named Colman, and instructed
In the Christian religion by Dymna. ar
Irishman who had spent many years OF
his early life travelling in foreign lands
The piety. intelligence and winning
manner OF Decan attracted numerou.
followers to the faith. and the gratitude
OF these converts was soon evidenced
in the many churches they erected ir
Decian's native Waterford. Decian. de.
sirous OF q closer union with the cen
tire OF Catholicity. made a journey te
Rome. accompanied by some OF his dis
ciples. His reception In the Eterna
- City was all that his heart could de-