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Message from the Chair of the Luton Irish Forum

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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

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