| |
| author |
Christina I. McGrath
| | title |
Saint Patrick: Issues of Translation and His Enduring Pastoral Message
| | abstract |
This dissertation attempts to discover the reason(s) for the worldwide interest in Saint Patrick of Ireland by focusing on the numerous translations of his two writings, the Confessio (The Confession of Saint Patrick) and the Epistola (The Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus). By analyzing seven specific twentieth century translations of the saint's fifth century writings, the reader will discern subtle differences in each end product, leading to a unique message from Patrick. Working with the assertions that every translation is a political act of some kind and that the translator becomes part of the translation, specific passages from the saint's writings are examined and discussed through the lens of translation theory along with survey responses from accessible translators. After delving into Patrician scholarship, the historical sources presenting Saint Patrick's letters have been called into question, due to the personal agendas and biases of his seventh century biographers. Over the past 1500 years, both political and religious factions have usurped him for their own agendas. The end result of this exploration led to the discovery of a man who went to the end of his world to preach the Gospel, to convert the Irish to Christianity, and to share the love of his God with the place and people who once enslaved him. His personal struggles of faith and forgiveness make an intimate impression on the reader that has endured.
| | school |
The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, Drew University
| | degree |
D.Litt. (2021)
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| advisor |
William Rogers
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| committee |
Liana Piehler
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| full text | CMcGrath.pdf |
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