Many people celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on 17th March, and hang pictures of shamrocks. Who was Saint Patrick, and why do we celebrate his life on this day?
Patrick was born in Britain in the fourth century A.D – over 1600 years ago, during a time of great uncertainty for the Roman Empire. Roman legions that once protected civilized Britain from barbaric invaders had left, leaving Britain vulnerable to attacks.
When Patrick was sixteen years old, Irish pirates invaded his village, destroyed it and took Patrick captive. He was put on a ship bound for Ireland.
In Ireland, Patrick was sold as a slave and put to work as a shepherd for pigs. In those Irish hills, life was hard for Patrick. He was exposed to a harsh climate and nearly starved to death. He was completely alone, but he turned to God for comfort and companionship. Through prayer Patrick found great relief.
Patrick’s devotion to God did not go unnoticed. He soon earned the nickname, “Holy Boy,” among his fellow slaves.
Six years into slavery, Patrick had a vision from God. He was told he would return to his homeland. Not long after, he had another vision and was told his ship was waiting for him. Patrick ran away and travelled more than two hundred miles to Ireland’s southeast coast and boarded a ship. It was another two years before Patrick finally made it to his beloved Britain and into the arms of his parents who pleaded with him to never leave them again. Patrick studied to become a priest and bishop.
One night he had a dream of a man who seemed to come from Ireland, shouting, “Holy broth of a boy, we beg you, come back and walk once more among us.”
Patrick returned to barbaric Ireland to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. He journeyed throughout Ireland, sharing Christ until his death on 17th March, around the year 460 A.D. It is believed that Patrick used the symbol of the shamrock to illustrate the Trinity – God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Historically, St. Patrick’s missionary work forever changed Ireland though his bold faith and godly character. As a former slave, he condemned slavery as an ungodly institution. As an evangelist, he was driven to make God’s name known among the Irish. God used Patrick’s steely resolve and ambition to advance God’s kingdom in a mighty way in Ireland. Patrick was passionate about evangelizing the Irish, but he was also passionate about educating converts in Christian living and service. Today, Patrick is seen as the ultimate model for Celtic Christians. Ultimately, his life and ministry serve as a pointer to the life and ministry of Christ himself.
We may never be enslaved, imprisoned or beaten because of our faith in God, but people might make fun of us for believing in Jesus’ promise of heaven and placing our faith in a God they cannot see.
May the story of Patrick’s courageous life inspire you to stand firm in Christ, as you tell others about the greatest gift we can ever be given – salvation through Jesus!
Sources: https://whatsinthebible.com/should-christians-celebrate-st-patricks-day/
Voice of the Martyrs, “The Story of St. Patrick,” 2006 https://www.persecution.com/2021-03-st-patrick/
From the breastplate of St. Patrick:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.