Dear Friends,
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! St. Patrick (about 389-461) is the patron saint of Ireland. Legends have arisen surrounding St. Patrick, including that he single handedly converted the pagans of Ireland to Christianity, that he explained the Trinity by using the Shamrock and that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Although there is much uncertainty about details of his life, the following are facts as best we can tell.
Patrick was born in Britain, the son of a councilman and grandson of a priest. His family was active in the church but Patrick had little use for Christianity. Then pirates raided his village and took him captive at 16 years old. They sold him as a slave to a chief in Ireland. For six years he herded cattle for his master. During that time he had much opportunity to pray and ask God for help. He made his escape and eventually made it back to his own country. Soon after he returned home he had a dream to return to Ireland to preach Christ to those without Christ. After some theological training he
was sent, as a missionary bishop, back to those who had enslaved him. He began preaching the forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus. By his return he demonstrated his compassion and willingness to forgive. He also showed his courage, willing to die for the sake of the gospel.
Although there were Christians in Ireland before Patrick, he was the driving force for the evangelization of much of the Emerald Isle. He was a humble, simple and determined man. Patrick met strong opposition. Much of Ireland remained pagan. But many people heard and saw the love of God in him.
So whether you’re Irish, or whether you’re going to wear green on the 17th, or a button that says, “KISS ME, I’M IRISH,” remember the real St. Patrick, a simple, courageous, compassionate man who spent his life sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Sam
Read the entire newsletter online: The Holy Post - Mar07 [PDF]