Irish History is marked by oppression and tragedy. It continues today. If people do not understand the past, they will not understand the present. It all started with Henry VIII of England. He wanted to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon, daughter of Queen Isabella of Spain and marry Anne Bolyn. The Pope said No. Henry said yes, and broke with Rome and made himself the head of the Church in England, creating the Anglican Church. Today Queen Elizabeth is the present head of the Anglican Church in England.
Because Ireland was a part of the British Isles, although Catholic, suffered persecution because of Henry. Their Catholic Faith was banned in Ireland. So was their native language. Much of their music conveys sorrow and suffering. (They're hanging folks in London Town for the wearing of the green).
The potato famine caused many to flee the country and emigrate world-wide, especially to America. The potato famine was Irish genocide. There was no shortage of food. The British kept it or exported it and limited the Irish to eating potatoes. When the blight destroyed the potato crop, thousand died of starvation, or emigrated to other lands.
They came in "coffin ships" so called because so many died in filth and squalor. The shamrock is the symbol of the struggle against oppression. In our present day the meaning of the shamrock is long gone. It has been relegated to a superstitious good luck symbol.
If you traveled to Ireland, go to the Well of Thorbalt - Irish Catholics met there in secret when their religion was banned. There you will find a primitive stone structure. It was an altar where secret worship services were held. A large statue of Christ on the Cross surrounded by the Virgin Mary and others kneeling in sorrow sit along the new altar. Near the old altar is a sign that greets visitors. It says: "Pilgrims walk softly.This is holy ground." Here are the memories of poor persecuted people. They braved death to come. Here are memories of hunted priests offering mass at this hallowed place risking their lives.
Hopefully, on this blessed day, the United States will recognize the value of the Irish. They preserved the faith. It's up to us to save it.
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