IRISH Tánaiste Simon Coveney was in Downpatrick last week for a special visit, with his first stop the St Patrick Centre.
Mr Coveney was entertained by a group of pupils from Cedar Integrated Primary School and then presented with a copy of ‘The St Patrick’s Treasury’, a book written by local man, John Killen, former chief librarian at Linenhall Library.
The book, published recently, brings together folklore and traditions that have been associated with St Patrick through the centuries.
St Patrick Centre Director, Dr Tim Campbell, spoke of the huge impact that St Patrick’s Day has on Ireland with the event providing a huge amount of business across the whole of the island of Ireland.
He told an audience of invited guests including local clergy and politicians that most people don’t really know much more about the patron saint and was delighted to introduce Mr Killen and his new book which celebrates the myths, legends and traditions of Patrick.
The author said he has addressed St Patrick’s life and legacy, describing his book as a “compendium of writings” about the patron saint.
He continued: “St Patrick was not the first saint in Ireland but is certainly the most loved.
“There is agreement among most scholars that Patrick was born in Hibernia and, after being a slave and escaping, returned in 432AD to begin his mission to convert the Irish to Christianity.”
Mr Killen added that after discussing the wider works of Patrick he hopes that in 2032 — 1,600 years after his landing at the Slaney River near Saul — that reliquaries from around the world can come together in an historic exhibition, which could tour around the world, to mark the work of the great saint.
Mr Coveney, who paid his respects at the grave of St Patrick at Down Cathedral and also placed his hand on the nearby High Cross, congratulated Mr Killen on the publication of his book.
“St Patrick has become a global phenomenon,” he said.
“The Great Wall of China and the pyramids were lit up to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Main buildings around the world were turned green to mark this day.
“And, as the Good Friday Agreement comes under pressure, St Patrick speaks to a shared heritage across this island. And he should be a force for reconciliation right now.”
Mr Coveney added: “There should never be division in this island and we should share the richness of his story. St Patrick is a treasure to us all.
“A treasure to those of faith and to those with no faith at all. He challenged this island and found courage, redemption and transformation.”
The Dean of Down, the Very Rev Henry Hull, discussed the grave of St Patrick with Mr Coveney and other clergy and politicians.
Dean Hull added: “St Patrick probably died in his church at Saul and was driven by a cart and four oxen, which settled on the hill in Downpatrick, where he was buried. As was the custom, Patrick’s remains were subject to becoming reliquaries and part of his jaw bone is in the Down County Museum today.”