We know, also, that, by a noticeable providence, Rome was chosen from the beginning as the source from whence the light should emanate.

We know how pagan Rome, which had subdued and crushed material empires, and scattered nations and national customs as chaff before the wind, failed utterly to subdue or crush this religion, though promulgated by the feeblest of its plebeians.

We know how the material prosperity of that mighty people was overruled for the furtherance of eternal designs; and as the invincible legions continually added to the geographical extent of the empire they also added to the number of those to whom the gospel of peace should be proclaimed.
The first Christian mission to Ireland, for which we have definite and reliable data, was that of St.Palladius.

St.Prosper, who held a high position in the Roman Church, published a chronicle in the year 433, in which we find the following register: "Palladius was consecrated by Pope Celestine, and sent as the first Bishop to the Irish believing in Christ."[110] This mission was unsuccessful.

Palladius was repulsed by the inhabitants of Wicklow,[111] where he landed.