Today, many of us celebrate March 17: the feast of St. Patrick. For some, his name signifies nothing more than a time for parades, leprechauns, and a Guinness at the local pub; but for those who know the true story of the Irish missionary, the name means so much more. How sad it would be to live such a day without ever really knowing who or why we’re really celebrating!
To begin, let’s turn back in history to roughly 403 A.D. Early in the morning, Irish pirates plunder the British coastlands, and as part of their bounty, enslave many of the inhabitants, one of which was a very young Roman by the name of Patrick. They drag him back to their land where he lives as a shepherd for a time in the bleak and rural wilderness of Ireland. Patrick feels alone and abandoned, but as he recounts, it is here that he falls in love with his Anam-cara which translates as soul-friend whom he comes to know as God. It is in these initial encounters with the Almighty during his captivity that Patrick’s life changes, forever.
“But after I had come to Ireland, it was then that I was made to shepherd the flocks day after day, so, as I did so, I would pray all the time, right through the day. More and more the love of God and fear of him grew strong within me” (Patrick, 373-473/1998 pp. viii-ix). He goes on to share how the Spirit would fill him with an energy that neither rain nor snow could smother.
Perseverance
Eventually, Patrick finds refuge aboard a local ship back to his homeland. But he does not linger in his native land for long before several dreams begin to visit him, inviting young Patrick to a journey of a much different kind back to Ireland. Yet, the young man would suffer many difficulties before attempting the voyage. He perseveres and finds himself once again among the Irish, not as their slave, but as he would say (stealing from St. Paul) “a prisoner of the Spirit.”
In this new life, Patrick transforms the pagan Irish culture, teaching them the Christian faith and bringing the whole Roman tradition with him. But the saint would continue to emphasize God’s role in producing fruit and making this mission successful. “I was able to stand firm against them all, not through any strength of mine, but by God’s grace who conquers in me. So at last I came here to the Irish gentiles to preach the gospel” (56). St. Patrick continues in this thread, noting how God has transformed his life into something he never would have imagined. He dreamed, but his dreams never came close to the ones God had for him. “For now he has made me fit and ready to be something that was once a long way off, that I should care for and be busily engaged in saving others. Whereas before I gave not a second thought even for myself” (50, line 28).
Dreams in Our Hearts
Patrick dies close to 467 A.D., leaving behind a civilization that would later become the saving grace for the rest of Europe in the preservation of her culture. As we reflect on St. Patrick’s life, let’s remember that God wants to dream his dreams in our hearts, too. After his conversion, Patrick recounts time and time again how the outcome of his life was God’s doing, and one beyond his wildest dreams. So, too, can it be with us if we let it. God has something greater and deeper planned. The question is: how will we respond? How will we engage with the plan that seems unfathomable in our eyes? Look to St. Patrick — he may know a few things.
Inspiration
As we’re pulling out the tray of potatoes or the cut of corned beef or taking another swig of our Guinness or glass of Green River, let’s look to St. Patrick as an inspiration for recounting the desires God has placed on our hearts. A wise man once mused over the singularity of our vocation but when left unfulfilled, it leaves a hole in the world which no one else can fill. For “unless a grain of wheat falls and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies it brings forth much fruit” (Jn 12:24). We may never know the fruit we can bear, but let’s take heart, and surrender as Patrick did. We end here with a few words from St. Patrick.
“Could I have come to Ireland without thought of God, merely in my own interest? Who was it that made me come? . . . Can it be out of the kindness of my heart that I carry out such a labor of mercy on a people who once captured me when they wrecked my father’s house and carried off his servants? . . . In short, I am a slave in Christ to this faraway people for the indescribable glory of ‘everlasting life which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.'” (Patrick, 7-8). Our Lady of Knock, pray for us. Help us to become apostles to our Ireland next door.
References
Patrick. (1998). The Confession of Saint Patrick (J. O’Donohue, Trans.). Image Books. (Original
work published 373?-463?)
Great reflections. Good job Patrick/Julie , once again.
Bless you for the wonderful work you do.
Excellent, Sean. Thank you for sharing the history of my namesake saint. I have been listening to his Lorica regularly. I need to get me a copy of his confessions now! Thank you once more! Happy Feast of Saint Patrick to you and yours!