How did Ireland become Catholic, Vlad? Did it just spring out of the ground like a leprechaun, fully formed? Seems I recall some difficulties in that regard, historically speaking. If you want to rely upon Patrick, be aware that I’m aware of failed efforts preceding him, rather gory for all involved.
This has far more to do with politics than religion. The two were rather thoroughly intertwined in the past with state churches, however that is no longer the case, though you may very well rue the day for all I know.
Aren’t you a monarchist, by the way?
You wrote:
“How did Ireland become Catholic, Vlad?”
Christianity was brought to Ireland by Catholics.
“Did it just spring out of the ground like a leprechaun, fully formed?”
No, Christianity was brought to Ireland - by Catholics. Most historians agree that the earliest Irish Christians - travellers, merchants, mercenaries - were converted within the Roman Empire. They brought the faith back to Ireland. All of them were Catholic. Later, missionary bishops were sent to Ireland. All were Catholic.
“Seems I recall some difficulties in that regard, historically speaking.”
Historically speaking?
“If you want to rely upon Patrick, be aware that I’m aware of failed efforts preceding him, rather gory for all involved.”
I don’t think you’re nearly as aware as you claim. You might want to read some of the works of Patrick Wormald.
“This has far more to do with politics than religion.”
Protestants make that claim. It is just as easy to say it is “racial” as some people in Ireland claim.
“The two were rather thoroughly intertwined in the past with state churches, however that is no longer the case, though you may very well rue the day for all I know.”
I don’t think you know what you’re talking about. When exactly was the Presbyterian Kirk - the Protestants in question are Presbyterians - ever THE state church of Ireland??? Never happened (unless you’re counting the handful of years when Cromwell ruled). Again, I don’t think you know as much as you claim.
“Aren’t you a monarchist, by the way?”
If I am or not is irrelevant to this discussion.
Henry II of England converted the whole country of Ireland to Catholicism with the help of Dermot MacMurrough (deposed king of Leinster province, seen by nationalist Irish as a traitor) and Strongbow (the alias of Richard de Clare, Second Earl of Pembroke, a Norman lord who led the Norman invasions). Pope Alexander III gave assent to Henry II’s rule over Ireland following this.