by Enzo Farinella
The history of Irish monasticism, from St. Patrick to the “wanderers” for Christ is extremely interesting. We find Irish monks everywhere throughout the known world, in Britain, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Slovakia, Russia, Iceland, Greenland, America. Their skills, above all their knowledge of reading and bookmaking, made of them counsellors in Charlemagne’s Court, founders of monasteries, cities and universities, teachers and educators, publishers and very well respected figures in other fields. ENZO FARINELLA, journalist of ANSA (Italian News Agency) bureau chief for Ireland, Vatican Radio correspondent, was born in Gangi (Sicily) and has been living in Ireland for over 40 years.