The Missionary Zeal of Ireland

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
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The blessed fruits of St. Patrick's labors were abundantly manifested in after years. Ireland at this time is described as a kind of elysium of peace and piety; and its fame for pure scriptural teaching rose so high, that it received the honorable appellation of "the Isle of Saints." The labors of the Irish clergy, however, were not confined to their own country. Naturally fond of traveling or wandering, and being energized by a love for souls, numbers left their native country, as missionary bands, under the leadership of a loved and devoted abbot. The monasteries, it is generally said, were so filled with pious monks at this time, that there was not sufficient room in their own country for the employment of their zeal, so that they felt it was their duty to exercise their activity in other lands. Thus we see a broad silver line of God's grace in that rude people, more distinctly marked than in any other part of Christendom. The Lord's name be praised. But let us take an example to see its working.