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Courtney Davis: St Patrick   The figure and story of St Patrick hold an honoured 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 complemented by many aspects of Celtic spiritual custom and practice, such as the 'baptizing' of holy wells, the belief in an afterlife, and the emphasis on 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 sunwheel. 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, honouring 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. This hardback book contains 128 colour pages and is published by Blandford Press (1999). For ordering information see Amazon.com.
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