BAPTISTRY - PATRICK

BAPTISTRY - PATRICK

The third roundel at the baptistry shows Saint Patrick baptising at Tara.

The Hill of Tara was the home of the High King of Ireland. By tradition the pagan priests of the High King lit the first fire for the pagan festival which coincided with Easter. The Patrick tradition tells that the Patron Saint lit his fire first and thus caught the King's attention. Patrick was brought before the High King to whom he preached the gospel. The High King was converted and baptised.

Moses helps God deliver a people from the captivity in Egypt who become a nation.

Jesus through his baptism, death and resurrection, forms a new relationship with God - the New Covenant.

Patrick helps found a new church in Ireland. St Patrick's Day is March 17th. Tradition has it that the saint is buried at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, a few miles from the Hill of Saul where it is said he first preached the gospel in Ireland.

A photograph of this window was used on the cover of "Celtic Inspirations" - a CD of Irish Hymns and music - recorded by the Cathedral Choir in 2006. It was launched at a reception in the Cathedral attended by the President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese. This was the first occasion on which a President of Ireland had visited the Cathedral. 

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