Catholicism in Ireland

Catholicism in Ireland is a long tradition, dating back as far as St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to the island around 432 AD, though it is impossible to get a precise date for that. Catholicism has played a major role in Irish life throughout the centuries. The Penal Years saw persecution of Catholics by English Protestants. Throughout the nineteenth Century, Catholicism offered hope and a way of life for Irelands wretched rural poor. Throughout the 20th Century the Catholic Church again played a massive role in education, healthcare and welfare for the poorest in society. Recent years has seen many waves of sexual abuse scandals which have rocked the Irish Church to its very foundations. Mass attendance is at its lowest point ever.