Saint Patrick's Confessio

URL: http://confessio.ie

Institution: Independent Project

Description

A comprehensive digital edition of Saint Patrick’s “Confessio,” one of the most important early Christian texts from Ireland. This scholarly resource provides critical apparatus and detailed commentary on St. Patrick’s autobiographical writing, offering insights into 5th-century Christianity and Irish history.

Key Features

  • Critical Edition: Scholarly text with apparatus criticus
  • Commentary: Detailed historical and theological notes
  • Textual Analysis: Multiple manuscript traditions examined
  • Historical Context: Background on early Irish Christianity
  • Linguistic Notes: Latin language and translation issues addressed

Content Areas

  • Primary Text: The Confessio itself with variants
  • Manuscript Tradition: Documentation of textual transmission
  • Historical Background: 5th-century Ireland and Britain
  • Theological Commentary: Analysis of Patrick’s spiritual journey

Significance

  • Provides authoritative digital access to a foundational Irish text
  • Supports research in early Christian studies
  • Offers model for digital critical editions
  • Preserves and contextualizes Ireland’s literary heritage

Target Audience

  • Early Christian studies scholars
  • Irish history researchers
  • Latin literature specialists
  • Digital edition practitioners