Who Is St. Patrick?


Who is St. Patrick?  (389?-461?)
Apostle of Ireland

Somewhere around AD 385 Maewyn Succat was born probably somewhere in southeastern Britain (Wells) although his birthplace is uncertain.  Until the age of 16, he considered himself a pagan. At this age, he was carried off  by Irish marauders. During this time he was a herdsman in the county of Connacht and saw visions urging him to escape. After 6 years, he escaped to the northern coast of Gaul. He was, during this period, ordained a priest--possibly by Saint Germanus; and then Patrick returned to Ireland. Some time after 431, Patrick was appointed as the successor to St. Pailadius, who was the first bishop of Ireland. When St. Pailadius transferred, Patrick (his adopted Christian name) became second d bishop of Ireland. Because he was successful in converting the pagans, Patrick was arrested by the Celtic Druids several times, yet he escaped each time.  

Patrick began churches and schools which he used to further his Christian message. Patrick was in Ireland for thirty years before retiring to County Down where he died on March 17, AD 461 (?); hence the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, originally a Catholic holy day.
In one of his writings Confessions Patrick "portrays himself as an ignorant yokel in an unequal contest with the powerful and learned adherents of Plagiarism." His reported use of the shamrock as an illustration of the Trinity led to its being regarded as the Irish national symbol.   
Another history of Saint Patrick--this one from Ireland herself--

The Life of Saint Patrick

The Patron Saint of Ireland was born into either a Scottish or English family in the fourth century. He was captured as a teenager by Niall of the Nine Hostages who was to become a King of all Ireland.

He was sold into slavery in Ireland and put to work as a shepherd. He worked in terrible conditions for six years drawing comfort in the Christian faith that so many of his people had abandoned under Roman rule.

Patrick had a dream that encouraged him to flee his captivity and to head South where a ship was to be waiting for him. He travelled over 200 miles from his Northern captivity to Wexford town where, sure enough, a ship was waiting to enable his escape.

Upon arrival in England he was captured by brigands and returned to slavery. He escaped after two months and spent the next seven years travelling Europe seeking his destiny.

During this time he furthered his education and studied Christianity in the Lerin Monastery in France. He returned to England as a priest. Again a dream greatly influenced him when he became convinced that the Irish people were calling out to him to return to the land of his servitude.

He went to the Monastery in Auxerre where it was decided that a mission should be sent to Ireland. Patrick was not selected for this task to his great disappointment. The monk that was selected was called Paladius, but he died before he could reach Ireland and a second mission was decided upon.

Patrick was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in the year 432 and, together with a small band of followers, travelled to Ireland to commence the conversion.

Patrick confronted the most powerful man in Ireland Laoghaire, The High King of Tara as he knew that if he could gain his support that he would be safe to spread the word throughout Ireland. To get his attention Patrick and his followers lit a huge fire to mark the commencement of Spring. Tradition had it that no fire was to be lit until the Kings fire was complete, but Patrick defied this rule and courted the confrontation with the King.

The King rushed into action and travelled with the intention of making war on the holy delegation. Patrick calmed the King and with quiet composure impressed the King that he had no other intention than that of spreading the word of the Gospel. The King accepted the missionary, much to the dismay of the Druids who feared for their own power and position in the face of this new threat. They commanded that he make snow fall. Patrick declined to do so stating that this was Gods work. Immediately it began to snow, only stopping when Patrick blessed himself.

Still trying to convince the King of his religion Patrick grasped at some Shamrock growing on the ground. He explained that there was but one stem on the plant, but three branches of the leaf, representing the Belssed Trinity. The King was impressed with his sincerity and granted him permission to spread the word of his faith, although he did not convert to Christianity himself.

Patrick and his followers were free to spread their faith throughout Ireland and did so to great effect. He drove paganism (symbolised by the snake) from the lands of Eireann.

Patrick was tempted by the Devil whilst on a pilgrimage at Croagh Patrick. For his refusal to be tempted, God rewarded him with a wish. Patrick asked that the Irish be spared the horror of Judgement Day and that he himself be allowed to judge his flock. Thus, the legend that Ireland will disappear under a sea of water seven years before the final judgement, was born.

Patrick died on March 17th in the year 461 at the age of 76. It is not known for sure where his remains were laid although Downpatrick in County Down in the North of Ireland is thought to be his final resting place.

His influence is still felt to this day as Nations the world over commemorate him on March 17th of every year.


unknown sources