Saint Patrick

Today is the Feast of Saint Patrick. For most, this day is defined solely by green clothes, parades, parties, corned beef and cabbage, shamrocks, leprechauns, and/or Guinness. Sadly, most know little about the pastor behind the name and his faithful proclamation of the Holy Trinity. Take the time to learn. Imitate Patrick’s faith and charity. Like him, you too are a sinner by nature and a saint by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Patrick is one of the best-known of the missionary saints. Born to a Christian family in Britain around the year AD 389 he was captured as a teenager by raiders, taken to Ireland, and forces to serve as a herdsman. After six years, he escaped and found his way to a monastery community in France. Ordained a bishop, it is believed that Patrick made his way back to Ireland in the summer of 433, and there spent the rest of his long life spreading the Gospel and organizing Christian communities. He strongly defended the doctrine of the Holy Trinity in a time when it was not popular to do so. His literary legacy includes his autobiography, Confession, and several prayers and hymns still used in the Church today. At least one tradition states that Patrick died in Ireland on March 17 around the year AD 466.

[Treasury of Daily Prayer 1285-1286]