Irish missionaries helped convert barbarian tribes to Christianity from "summary" of How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from by Thomas Cahill
In the early Middle Ages, as the Roman Empire crumbled and Europe descended into chaos, it was the Irish who stepped in to preserve and spread the light of civilization. While the rest of Europe was plunged into darkness, Irish monks and missionaries embarked on a mission to convert the barbarian tribes to Christianity. These Irish missionaries, armed with their faith and unwavering determination, traveled far and wide to bring the message of Christianity to the pagan peoples of Europe. They faced immense challenges along the way, from hostile tribes to harsh climates, but they never wavered in their mission. One of the key figures in this mission was St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Captured by Irish pirates as a young man and sold into slavery, Patrick eventually escaped and returned to Ireland as a missionary. His efforts were instrumental in converting the Irish people to Christianity, laying the foundation for the country's future as a beacon of faith and learning. But the Irish missionaries did not stop there. They ventured beyond their homeland, traveling to distant lands such as Scotland, England, and even as far as continental Europe. They established monasteries and schools, where they not only preached the gospel but also preserved and copied ancient texts, safeguarding the knowledge of the past for future generations. Through their tireless efforts, the Irish missionaries played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity throughout Europe. They helped to civilize the barbarian tribes, bringing them into the fold of the Church and laying the groundwork for a new era of learning and enlightenment. Without their contributions, the history of Europe – and indeed the world – might have taken a very different course.
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