Palladius

Alfred Webb

1878

Palladius, the earliest-named Christian missionary to Ireland, in the beginning of the 5th century.

Commissioned by Pope Celestine, and accompanied by Sylvester, Solonius, Augustin, and other clerics, he landed near Wexford, and founded three churches in the district comprised in the present County of Wicklow; but at the end of a few months, having made few converts, and meeting a bitter opponent in Nathi, the prince of the country, Palladius took his departure.

He is supposed to have died in Scotland.

His companions are believed to have remained in Ireland, and carried on the work of Christianizing the people until St. Patrick’s arrival.

Sources

119. Ecclesiastical History of Ireland: Rev. John Lanigan. 4 vols. Dublin, 1822.

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