Madam, - From about 432 to 464 St Patrick devoted his life in bringing God to the Irish people. Conversions did take place, in spite of the pagan culture that existed there. Following the introduction of the new faith, the followers of St Patrick became victims of a severe persecution from the rulers of that time.
Twenty-first-century followers of Patrick are now facing a different kind of apostasy. I refer to the recent debate in the European Parliament whereby the preamble to the new European Constitution excludes, indeed outlaws, the mention of God in its Articles.
Are the citizens of Europe now facing a return to a kind of neo-paganism? If so, what are Christians to do about it? A large part of the areas of Europe still have belief systems that include the belief in a Deity called God. A democratic Europe owes its very existence to the millions of men and women of faith who gave up their lives in the multiple conflicts over the centuries. Is this all to be thrown away, dismissed by the stroke of a pen?
St Patrick was a very intense and human person and certainly not at all like a plaster saint to be admired from afar. The Irish people of faith with the belief in God should relish the challenges to their faith, despite the changing and turbulent times in which we all live.
In this regard, this writer's wish is that the religious leaders in Ireland and throughout Europe should unite to prevent this evident return to paganism. Indeed, Catholic apologists should have the courage to stand for "God and St Patrick". - Yours, etc.,
NOEL O'SHAUGHNESSY, Boyne Crescent, Mayfield, Cork City.