Today we celebrate St. Patrick, the fifth century bishop and patron of Ireland, whose life of holiness set the example for many of the Church’s future saints. Captured by Irish raiders when he was about 16, St. Patrick was taken as a slave to Ireland where he lived for six years as a shepherd before escaping and returning to his home. At home, he studied the Christian faith at monastic settlements in Italy and in what is now modern-day France. He was called to serve the Church and eventually ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Auxerre, France around the year 418 and ordained a bishop in 432. It was around this time when that he was assigned to minister to the small, Christian communities in Ireland who lacked a central authority and were isolated from one another.
When St. Patrick returned to Ireland, he was able to use his knowledge of Irish culture that he gained during his years of captivity. Using the traditions and symbols of the Celtic people, he explained Christianity in a way that made sense to the Irish and was thus very successful in converting the natives. The shamrock, which St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity, is a symbol that has become synonymous with Irish Catholic culture.
So much folklore and so many legends surround the saint that it can be difficult to determine fact from fiction. Nonetheless, St. Patrick is properly revered for the faith and conviction he took to the Irish, and the foundation he built for the generations of Christians who followed him. Obviously, he is one of the most beloved Saints of Ireland and among those who treasure the Irish culture. Keep in mind today that St. Patrick offers us much more than beer and shamrocks!
From the Confession of St. Patrick: “May it never befall me to be separated by my God from His people whom He has won in this most remote land. I pray God that He gives me perseverance, and that He will grant that I should be a faithful witness for His sake right up to the time of my passing.” St. Patrick, pray for us.
