Saint Patrick: More Than Legend

Saint Patrick is one of the world’s most popular saints. Celebrations of feast day, March 17, are legendary, especially here in America.

Many events of his life are also legendary. 

For instance, he did not really banish snakes from Ireland. The Emerald Isle has never been home to any snakes. That legend might be a metaphor for Christianity overcoming paganism. 

Born in 387, birth name Maewyn Succat, Patrick was a Roman citizen from an affluent family in Britain. At age sixteen he was kidnapped by pirates and taken to Ireland. There he was forced to herd and tend sheep. 

Patrick passed the time with constant prayer. His love for God grew. 

He eventually escaped, returning home at age twenty. He studied for the priesthood. Later he was ordained a bishop and given the name Patricius, Latin for Patrick. 

He returned to Ireland in March of 433. Since Patrick was familiar with Celtic language, he was able to convert most of the island to Christianity. 

Another legend is Saint Patrick’s use of the shamrock to teach about the Holy Trinity, three persons in one God. The three leaves on the green plant represented God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Patrick preached the Gospel and built churches throughout Ireland. He died on March 17, 461.  He’s the patron saint of Ireland. 

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Make it legendary.