St. Patrick

For my sweet friend who went Home yesterday, our Saint for today is St. Patrick.

The dates of Patrick's life are uncertain. His own writings provide no evidence for dating any more precise than the 5th century generally. This most famous patron and Apostle of Ireland, was born in Roman Britain. His father was a Deacon and his grandfather a Catholic Priest (it was not until the fourth century that the Church in the West issued written regulations regarding Clerical celibacy). Patrick, however, was not an active believer.

At the age of 16, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland where he was kept in slavery for six years. In The Confession of Saint Patrick, he wrote that this time in slavery was critical to his spiritual development. He worked as a shepherd and strengthened his relationship with God through prayer eventually leading him to convert to Christianity. After six years in captivity, he heard a voice telling him that he would soon go home and that his ship was ready. He escaped from his master, made his way to the coast and talked his way onto a ship.

After returning home, Patrick had a vision of the Irish people calling to him, "We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us." He studied in Europe and received ordination. Acting on the vision, he returned to Ireland as a missionary. He is known for converting the pagan people of Ireland, baptizing thousands and ordaining priests to lead the new Christian communities.

St. Patrick's feast day is March 17. In addition to being Patron of Ireland, he is also patron of many other places, engineers, paralegals, and is invoked against snakes.