Growing up Irish Catholic, the Celtic spirituality was always embedded in me.While I’ve seen probably a hundred Celtic crosses in my day, I never truly knew anything about “Celtic Treasures.”Liz Babbs claims, “Many pilgrims exploring the ancient paths have gained insight and wisdom from the Celtic Christian tradition.”Well, I’m no pilgrim but I was definitely interested in the Celtic way which is why I snagged a copy of Babbs’ book, “Celtic Treasure.”I learned a lot of interesting facts, some that actually surprised me.Below are the top eight things you probably didn’t know about Celtic Christianity.
- St. Patrick was not born in Ireland!He was born in Bonna venta Berniae. Later in his life, at the age of sixteen, he was captured by raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland.
- The Celtic cross’ unique design actually has a specific meaning.The knots symbolize how God is woven into everything in life.The circle represents infinite continuity and God’s never-ending love for us.
- Celtic saints opted to ditch their normal lives and live in solitude as hermits.They felt a closer connection to God in beautiful, remote places.
- Celtic saints were very creative and used art, music, poetry and stories to entertain themselves.
- Celtic saints are responsible for introducing Christianity to most of Britain.
- Many people sought Celtic monks out as “anam caras,” to help them grow closer in their faith.“Anam cara,” is a Gaelic phrase meaning soul friend.Yep, my name means friend in Gaelic!
- Lindisfarne is sometimes referred to as the “holiest place in England.”It is located off the coast of Northumberland, in Northern England close to the border of Scottland.
- St. Patrick used a shamrock leaf to explain the holy trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
