ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2447, 17 March 1888, Page 2

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

Today ushers in the anniversary of a distinguished missionary of the sth century— St. Patrick. In every part of the globe where the sons of Erin are located, this day is set apart in honour of the patron saint. Looking over Chamber's lincyclopotrlia, we find that there. is some uncertainty as to the date and place of his birth. The year of his birth is variously assigned to thn years 377 and 387, of which date the later is more probable. As to his birthplace, it is recorded that ho was born at Nemthur. According to the accounts oi his Irish biographers he founded 3(ir> churches, and baptised with his own hands 12,000 persons. He is said to have ordained a vast number of priests, and to have blessed very many monks and nuns. After he had been about 20 years engaged in his missionary enterprise, he is said to have fixed his'see at Armagh, about the year 424; and having procured two of his disciples to be ordained bishops, he held probably more than one synod, the decrees of which have been a subject of much controversy. He died at a place called Saul near Downpatrick and his relics were preserved at the latter place till to tho period of the lieformamation. The place is still venerated by the people. The date of his death is much disputed ; the Bollandists placing it in 4(10, while Usher holds it to be 493. The latter is believed to be correct, and his age has been credited to have reached at least 110 years.