St. Patrick

We all know St. Patrick as the guy who preached to the Irish. Visions of leprechauns, clover, and Irish bars come to mind and everything in green. So who actually was this guy and why is he worthy of sainthood?

The story begins with Patrick's childhood. Patrick, was born in Britain. He was the son of a tax collector. As a child, he was kidnapped by Irish slave traders. He was taken to Ireland where he served as a slave for six years. During his time as a slave he began to pray. Prior to living in Ireland he did not believe in God. Some accounts say that Patrick would pray a hundred time a day or continuously through his waking hours.

His last night as a slave he heard the voice of Christ. Patrick reports that Christ told him that his ship was ready. Perplexed, Patrick began walking. He knew not where to go, but went nonetheless. After some 200 miles he came to an inlet with a ship leaving. Thus Patrick escaped slavery and returned to Britain. This story is quite remarkable as it is highly improbable for a slave to travel such a distance unnoticed or without being stopped, much less gaining entry to the ship.

As an adult, Patrick studied in Gaul for the priesthood. He eventually became a bishop. He returned to Ireland, at the time a pagan nation. He is essentially responsible for converted all of Ireland to Christianity. He came to love Ireland and its people with such ferocity that he identified himself with Ireland completely. He considered himself Irish. All this from a man who was kidnapped by the Irish and forced into slavery as a child.

Patrick had such a love for Christ and His people that he could truly love his enemies. Converting an entire country is quite remarkable in itself. Given Patrick's history with that country adds a depth that is difficult to comprehend.

Christ's love shone through Patrick to the world. This is what makes him so great.