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Message from the chair of the Luton Irish Forum
 During our week long St Patrick’s Festival, we should remember the real basis for our celebration.
 St Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in the year 432 AD. Prior to this he had spent some time in Ireland as a slave tending sheep on the Slemish Mountains in County Antrim. The person who was to become St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales (allegedly) about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn, and he almost didn’t get the job of Bishop of Ireland because he lack the required scholarship.
 Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. During his captivity, became closer to God. 
 He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St Germain, Bishop of Auxerre for a period of twelve years. During his training he became aware that his calling was to convert the native pagans to Christianity.
 His wishes were to return to Ireland, to convert the native pagans to Christianity. But his superiors instead appointed St Palladius. But two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland. Patrick, having adopted that Christian name earlier, was then appointed as second Bishop to Ireland.
 Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Cruids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.
 Enjoy the day and the Festival and drink a toast to the Celts
 Noreen Kellett- Chair
 Acknowledgments
 Our thanks also to the following for their Help in organising the Festival events.
 Luton Borough Council
 Luton Town Centre Management
 Luton Police
 Swift Travel- World Choice
 St Johns Ambulance
 Our Lady Help of Christians Church
 St Joseph’s Parish Centre
 Holy Ghost Parish Centre
 The Gaelic Athletic Association
 Mayo Association
 Monaghan Association
 Galway Association
 Leitrim Association
 Kilkenny Association
 Cavan Association
 Comholtas Ceoltorai Eireann
 The Sea Cadets
 St Margaret of Scotland Junior School
 Pat Till LBC
 Donations Grants:
 Luton Borough Council
 Neville Funeral Services
 Padraig & Maisie Shanley
 Olly Moran
 Philomena Hughes