Nevena and John talk to Chris Doyle, Assistant Professor, Medieval History in the School of History and Philosophy at the University of Galway, about the mystery of the ‘second’ Saint Patrick.

Chris Doyle is an Assistant Professor (Lecturer Above the Bar) in Medieval History in the School of History and Philosophy at the University of Galway.

His interests are varied and include the cultural and social history and material culture of early medieval Ireland, Europe, North Africa and the Near East.

https://theconversation.com/saint-patricks-day-and-the-mystery-of-the-second-patrick-277404

“Celebrated every year with swathes of green and pints of Guinness, Saint Patrick is the most famous of Ireland’s trio of patron saints (the others are Brigid and Colm Cille, aka Columba).

Saint Patrick’s story is well known. Not just because of the annual global phenomenon his feast day has become, but also thanks to a considerable body of original written evidence. Chief among this are his personal writings – the Confession and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus. But there are also many others – annals, biographies, hymns, poems – written centuries after his lifetime”.

“One of the earliest references to two Patricks is Saint Fiacc’s Hymn on the Life of Patrick. It was written in the 5th or 6th century but survives in an 8th-century manuscript. Fiacc, a professional royal poet turned bishop, wrote: “When Patrick departed [died], he went to visit the other Patrick and together they ascended to Jesus Son of Mary.”

The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: The Mystery of the Second, St. Patrick, Chris Doyle, Asst. Prof. Medieval History, School of History and Philosophy, Uni of Galway. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.