Saint Patrick

Who is he?

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century bishop who preached the Gospel all over Ireland. We know about him mainly through his “Confession” (Confessio), which he wrote himself to thank God. He is honored as the apostle and patron saint of Ireland.

Life story

He was born around the end of the fourth century on the island of Britain, which was then part of the Roman Empire, into a Christian family. When he was almost 16, pirates captured him and took him to Ireland as a slave, where he had to look after animals in the fields. Lonely and cold, he began to pray a great deal, day and night, and he felt that God was always with him. After six years, he escaped and went back to his family.

Later, he felt God calling him to go back to the very people who had made him a slave. He studied, was ordained, then became a bishop and went to Ireland. For many years, he traveled everywhere preaching, baptized a great many people, ordained priests and founded Christian communities. He faced many dangers and was sometimes taken captive, but he kept trusting God.

According to tradition, he used a shamrock to help people picture the mystery of one God in three Persons. It is only a picture to help us remember, because God is not divided into three parts. The story of him driving the snakes out of Ireland is a legend, showing how the Gospel drove away the darkness.

According to tradition, he died on 17 March in Ireland.

Why is he a saint?

Saint Patrick did not let his pain turn into bitterness. He forgave the people who had made him suffer, and even brought them the most precious gift of all: faith in Jesus. All his life, he humbly thanked God, because he knew that every good thing he did was a gift from God.

A lesson for you

• When you are sad or lonely, pray: God is always with you.
• Practice forgiving the person who made you sad, and be kind to them.
• Each evening, thank God for the good things he gave you that day.