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St. Patrick
A Visual Celebration
By Courtney Davis
& Elaine Gill
Published by Blandford Press
(1999)
ISBN 0-7137-2674-1
 The figure and story of St. Patrick holds an honored and unique place in both Christian and Celtic traditions. A Celt himself, he understood the Celtic peoples, and his mission to bring his Christianity to the Irish people incorporated and celebrated with passion much of the spirituality of the pre-Christian Celtic tradition. Indeed, the new Romano-British faith was complimented by many aspects of Celtic spiritual custom and practice, such as the 'baptizing' of holy wells, the belief in an afterlife, and the emphasis n humanity's oneness with nature. His conversion of the Irish people thus came from a genuine change in religious perceptions, rather, than a brutal clash of faiths or cultures. This is most eloquently expressed in the form of the circular Celtic cross, which evolved from the ancient Celtic symbol of the divine sun wheel. So unique was St. Patrick's perception, and so dedicated his work, that within a generation of his death, most of Ireland had embraced a Christianity that was orthodox and was unlike any other in the then Christian world. It is fitting that such a glorious melding of spirituality; Celtic tradition and Christian symbolism should be celebrated in this beautifully illustrated and specially created work. Not only are St. Patrick's writings presented here in a visual manner, honoring his special achievements, but famed contemporary Celtic artist, Courtney Davis offers a modern presentation and interpretation of traditional Celtic art, bringing a whole new look to the saint's life and deeds. With additional text by Father Dennis O'Neill, an American priest, and the words of Elaine Gill, a noted UK writer on Celtic spirituality, this is a beautiful book to enjoy, inform and inspire.
A4 Hardback book contains 128 color pages.
Buy online at:
Amazon.co.uk  Amazon.com 
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