By Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo
St. Patrick is believed to have been born in Britain around 375 AD to Roman parents Calpurnius, deacon and minor local official, and Conchessa. His real name was Maewyn Succat and adopted the name Patrick when ordained priest.
As a teen, Patrick was abducted by some Irish raiders from his family’s estate. He was sold into slavery in Ireland. For six years, he lived in the mountains and forests herding and tending sheep. Lonely and afraid, he became deeply devoted to Christianity, growing in faith and holiness.
It was said that Patrick fled his master when he heard the voice of God in a vision telling him to leave Ireland through a ship that would bring him to Britain. However, before he got reunited with his family, he suffered starvation and suffered a brief captivity. Shortly after, he experienced a second revelation. In his dream, an angel prompted him to evangelize Ireland. Soon after, he enrolled in the monastery of Lerins for his theological studies. After completing his degree in 431, he was ordained priest. Thereafter, he was sent to Ireland to minister to the Christians already living in Ireland and to work on the conversion of the Irish. The following year, he was consecrated bishop by Pope Celestine I.
On his first mission, Patrick went to the village of Slane in Ireland on March 25, 433. Then he traveled the whole country, preaching the Gospel and converting many pagans through his faith. This aroused envy from the local pagan priests, who plotted to kill him. In one journey, Patrick exchanged his seat with the one of the charioteers who was killed by a spear which was intended for him. He was subjected to imprisonment several times by the local chief but he always managed to escape. After 40 years of prayers and hard work, Ireland was converted to Christianity.
St. Patrick worked many miracles and wrote about his life and his love for God in the Confesio.
Although there is no accurate data on St. Patrick’s death, scholars suggest that he is likely to have died around 461 AD in Saul. His feast day is March 17.
Today, we remember his life and works. May his teachings inspire us in strengthening our faith and spreading the Good News of the Lord.