J.M.J. Strength, vigor, faith, tenacity . . . these are only a few of the
choice words that often are applied to Saint Patrick, Bishop (c.
385-461), whose Memorial is March 17.
Little is known with certainty about his early life. Patrick was born in
Wales; his given name was "Maewyn." He regarded himself as a pagan
until he was 16.
A group of Irish bandits raided his village and kidnapped Patrick. The
young man was sold into slavery. But his horrendous captivity became a
genuine blessing for him because during that difficult period he drew
closer to Almighty God.
After six years, Patrick escaped from his slavery and made his way to
Gaul, where he studied in the monastery for twelve years under the
tutelage of Saint Germain, the Bishop of Auxerre. His training helped
him to see that his divine calling was to convert pagans to the true
faith: Christianity. And he wanted to return to Ireland to do precisely
that.
But his Superiors had other plans. They sent Saint Palladius to the
Emerald Isle to do missionary work. Two years later, Palladius was
transferred to Scotland. Now, another missionary was urgently needed.
So, Patrick was appointed the second Bishop of Ireland.
Immersed in the Lord's abundant grace, Patrick achieved much success in
converting the pagans of Ireland. For that reason, the Celtic Druids did
all they could to thwart his humble efforts. They arrested him on
several occasions, but he sprung out of detention each time. Patrick was
tireless in traveling across Ireland and establishing monasteries,
schools and churches--all for the glory of God and the salvation of
souls, including his own.
Patrick's incredible labors in his beloved Ireland lasted three decades.
He eventually withdrew to County Down, where he died on March 17, 461.
Several legends exist regarding Saint Patrick. One is that he raised
some people from the dead. Another is that when he gave a sermon from
the top of a mound, all the snakes in Ireland fled. (Some insist that
since there were no snakes native to Ireland, this "driving away the
snakes" may have been a reference to the "driving away of Satan" from
the hearts of the heathens.)
One belief associated with Saint Patrick is that he used the
three-leafed shamrock to explain the mystery of the Most Blessed
Trinity: One God in Three Divine Person--the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. In one shamrock, you have the unity of the Godhead, but given
the three leafs, you also have the distinctness of each Divine Person.
Patrick never wearied of presenting the Faith.
The Church is all the better for the heroic witness of Saint Patrick.
His love for Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist and his devotion towards
the Ever-Virgin Mary, the Queen of Ireland, still looms large centuries
after his passing from this earth. May we imitate his service to Christ,
His Mother Mary and the Church.
Saint Patrick, pray for us!
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