Sayings about faith are part of our Irish cultural inheritance.
Faith flattens mountains is an old Irish saying and an example of the deep spiritual wisdom of our ancestors.
Pearls of wisdom found in old Irish proverbs were passed on by our forebears for centuries and millennia.
I would go so far as to say, these old adages and dictums can even provide a reliable, moral framework to help guide us through life.
Today's collection of sayings about faith, definitely fulfills that criteria.
Table of Contents
The Importance Of Passing On Our Ancestors' Knowledge
If you ever wonder why you enjoy reading old proverbs and sayings, then ask yourself the following questions....
Do you believe it is important to pass on the ancient knowledge of our ancestors found in Irish proverbs to the next generations?
Do you believe the wise old words of our forefathers encapsulate the fundamental values necessary for living a good life?
Do you believe these old precepts and truisms can help us delve into our Irish psyche and further understand our Celtic mindset?
If, like me, you believe it is important to record and share the wisdom of our Irish forebears, then this little corner of the internet is perfect for you.
Exploring Irish Wisdom By Topic
I like to explore Irish proverbs from centuries past by subject matter, rather than by grouping every kind and class of saying into lists the length of today and tomorrow.
Here, I create collections of old sayings about common topics, virtues, superstitions and/or witticisms.
Today's subject matter is all about faith and spiritual belief sets.
Together, let's savor a little Irish folk wisdom centered on the importance of faith in our lives.
Irish Proverbs And Sayings About Faith
This collection of proverbs and sayings teaches us the universal importance of having faith in something greater than ourselves.
I've included the original Irish language version of each saying, when known.
However, these words are not specific to the Catholic or other Christian faiths, but can be applied to any faith, where someone believes in a greater spiritual creator and guide.
Hence, these sayings are for people of all faiths and spiritual beliefs to enjoy.
I hope you too will find them inspirational.
Let's take a look at each saying individually.
Faith Flattens Mountains
"Cláraíonn creidimh cnoc."
Phonetic pronunciation: Claw-reen creh-div con-uck.
And here's the sound file for Irish pronunciation...
"Faith flattens mountains."
I love how other nationalities may have moved mountains with their faith, but in Ireland we flattened them.
Knowledge, Wisdom and Faith
Here's a beautiful old Irish saying about wisdom and understanding to accept faith.
"Creideamh ag an tuath, eolas ag an tsaoi."
Phonetic pronunciation: Creh-div egg on two-ah, oh-lus egg on th-hee
And here's the sound file for Irish pronunciation...
"The unlearned person has faith, the learned knows."
Faith in Your Heart
This lovely old saying is simple, but means so much.
"Mura bhfuil creideamh i do chroí, ní féidir aon ní."
Phonetic pronunciation: Mur-ah will creh-div ih duh kree, nee fay-dir ay-un nee.
And here's the sound file for Irish pronunciation...
"Without faith in your heart, you can do nothing."
Seeing is Believing
This saying is used all over the world. We may never know exactly where this saying originated, but here is the Irish language version.
"Déanann feiceáil fírinne."
Phonetic pronunciation: Day-nun feck-awl feer-un-ah.
And here's the sound file for Irish pronunciation...
"Seeing is believing."
Old Irish Saying About Doubt
Anyone who has ever doubted their faith, will find solace in this old Irish saying.
"Is é an t-amhras eochair an tuisceana."
Phonetic pronunciation: Iss ay on thow-rus uck-er on thish-kin-ah.
And here's the sound file for Irish pronunciation...
"Doubt is the key to understanding."
Understanding
Here's the Irish way of telling us that hindsight is 20:20.
"Tis afterwards that everything is understood."
The Road To Heaven
And here is one of my favorites...
“The road to Heaven is well signposted,
but it's badly lit at night.”
It was faith that helped our ancestors dare to cross the Atlantic ocean in search of a better life many years ago.
I pray your faith gives you strength and courage because true fulfillment is reserved for those with the fortitude to see life's challenges through even under the most difficult of circumstances.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this collection of blessings and sayings from Ireland, here are some more you may enjoy....
Irish Wisdom and Sayings About Horses
- Provinces of Ireland - Their Importance In Irish Heritage
- The Meaning Of A Meitheal In Irish Culture
- County Kerry - The Kingdom
- County Sligo Land of Heart's Desire
- County Monaghan - A Land of Lakes and Drumlins
- County Offaly - The Heart of Ireland
- County Louth - The Land Of Legends
- Colcannon - A Traditional Irish Halloween Dish
Colleen Wright
I do love your blog now that my sainted Irish mom is walking with Jesus you are my Irish connection.
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - I'm so happy you found our little corner of the internet to help you stay connected to your Irish side and to bring back memories of your wonderful Irish mom. She is looking down from heaven and smiling as you stay connected with the land of your ancestors.
All the best,
Mairéad
Barry D McHenry
How beautiful.. God Bless...
Irish American Mom
Thanks for stopping by, Barry.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jennifer Dillon
This is a very lovely and inspiring article. It is very important to pass on our ancestors’ wisdom, knowledge and history. Growing up in the Bluegrass, I was lucky to be around great-grandparents and grandparents both. So much of what they taught and showed us has become the backbone of my life.
Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jennifer - After living in the Bluegrass State for many years I have learned that faith is very important to the people of Kentucky. It's lovely to hear that your forebears passed on their faith to you so that it has become "the backbone of your life." What an amazing thing to be able to say.
Best wishes, and thanks so much for checking out this post about faith.
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Hi Mairéad, I like the Irish twist on faith moves mountains too -- faith flattens mountains. Neat to consider plus what a great word picture! Happy 2019!
Irish American Mom
Happy New Year, Cheryl. I hope 2019 will be a wonderful year for you. Thanks so much for checking out this post about how the importance of faith was passed down through old Irish proverbs.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeff
Mairead,
Another beautiful post! Thanks again!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeff - I'm glad you liked this collection of sayings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jay
You have a great site that I have had bookmarked for years now. I have cooked every recipe that you have posted. Thanks and blessings.
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much for trying out my recipes, Jay, and for giving them your seal of approval. I really appreciate your support.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jameson Hunt
Hi there,
I've been reading your blog for a while now and I am taking a class about Irish Women and Drama. It's so nice that your blog posts gave me a glimpse into Ireland before taking the course. I am working on a project and my subject is language and I was wondering what your thoughts are on how the Irish language(s) have helped form Irish culture! It would be so cool if you made a blog post about this topic given that you always have such a unique stance on things.
-Jameson
Irish American Mom
Hi Jameson - Thanks so much for following my blog and for this wonderful blog post suggestion. I'll add this topic to my "to do" list. I hope you enjoy your course - it sounds wonderful.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
rosie
We are so blessed that you take the time to keep us informed, and share so many things about precious Ireland! I doubt we will ever make it there, but you help by bringing this to me and my family!
Growing up sometimes I would get teased about red hair and green eyes, and people said that they could see the Irish, and had been told i had an Irish temper. LOL!
Thank you!! Many Blessings to you and yours! Awesome info and site!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Rosie - I am so happy that my ramblings bring you a little piece of Ireland. I don't have red hair, but I do have green eyes and an Irish temper, but it's on a very long fuse. I'm usually very calm, but if the temper ever blows, it truly blows in explosive Irish style.
Thanks so much for your kind words about my website.
Best wishes for a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
☘️☘️☘️