St.Patrick

17 March, non-binding monument

Position: bishop, missionary

Deaths: 461

Patron: Ireland, coopers, miners, hairdressers, blacksmiths, peasants; intercessor for the protection of cattle.

Attributes: bishop, snakes, clover trefoil, fire, sheep

BIOGRAPHY

He was of Romano-British descent, was captured at the age of 16, and taken to Ireland, where he grazed sheep in slavery for 6 years. When he got free, he decided to become a priest. He was also ordained a bishop, and in Rome, he received the power of attorney from Pope Celestine for Ireland, where he returned to preach the Christian faith. He taught the baptized to read and write and ordained the most capable of them, priests. Furthermore, he did not try to break down pagan customs violently but introduced Christian ones. He was responsible for the fact that bards and druids became monks, and pagan priestesses began to live in the manner of nuns. The Irish clung to him like a father, and the wealthy brought gifts he refused because poverty was the surest way to heaven.

BIOGRAPHY FOR MEDITATION

GREEN ISLAND SHEPHERD

He is said to have come from the territory of the Roman province of Britannia, but there are unclear thoughts about his place of birth. Banna Venta Berniae, perhaps near present-day Carlisle, England, near the Scottish border, is mentioned, but elsewhere, this place is identified with Bannaventa in central England. There is also an indication that he came from a Welsh family. His father, Calpurnius, is said to have been involved in politics as a “decurio” – interpretations of this function vary (interpretations include the official and commander of the cavalry division). According to some, he was also a deacon. His property and social status led his son Patrick to a carefree and reckless life. He was not interested in studying religion. There was a turning point in Patrick’s life when he was kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16, taken to Ireland, and sold there as an enslaved person. His master put him in charge of herding the sheep. At this occupation and poor living conditions, Patrick began with fervent prayer and repentance for his earlier disorderly life. He changed internally and learned a lot. He also knew that paganism and blindness were associated with barbarism.

After six brutal years, he managed to escape and get to his homeland. After three months, he was ambushed and imprisoned again. He managed a second escape but was captured a third time and found himself in an even worse prison. It is said that the Christians bought him from there, and he managed to return home. He already had unwavering trust in God and cultivated love. The Irish called him to them in one dream, and then he began to suspect his calling. For this reason, he traveled to Gaul, studied in Auxerre under the guidance of St. German, and became a deacon. At first, they did not want to let him go to Ireland, but in the end, he received an episcopal ordination and the mandate to preach the gospel and organize the church there.

The community created by his predecessor, Bishop Palladio, did not impress the Irish. Patrick returned in 432 and began in the Irish north and northwest. The island was then divided into many tribal kingdoms, and Patrick won over the local rulers with a friendly demeanor, kindness, and zeal. He began with King Laognairo, with whom he lit the Easter fire on Slane Hill on White Saturday. Everyone allowed him to preach the gospel and establish local church communities. His enemies were Celtic priests, druids, and bards, but he appeased and won many of them over. In 444, he established his seat in Armagh. He created a network of bishoprics, and the development of religious life was in his interest. On these foundations, he transformed life in the country. He knew how to adapt to local social conditions; he knew the customs and mentality of the people from a young age, and he was a good organizer of church life. He was persistent, patient, and full of love. Furthermore, he is said to have devoted two-thirds of the night to prayer. Moreover, he started with Gallic and British missionaries but soon gained a lot of clergy from the local population.

Towards the end of his life, he wrote “Confessions,” describing his destinies and the graces he received, thanking God for them. Many of his correspondences have also survived.

One of the legends concerns the trefoil, which became his attribute and with which he helped himself interpret the Holy Trinity, pointing to the unity and the hint of the cross. Another legend concerning another attribute speaks of the expulsion of all snakes from Ireland. It is believed to be a symbolic image of the expulsion of paganism and evil.

Patrick died in Saul, County Down, and his grave immediately became a place of pilgrimage.

RESOLUTION, PRAYER

Today, the evangelization of love is recommended as a resolution. Do something for others in that direction and support it with prayer.

God, You have called St. Patrick to bring the truths of the gospel to the Irish people; for his merits and at his intercession, grant that all who profess the Christian faith bear witness with their lives to Your love, bringing salvation to all people.