St. Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland
Page Summary: a link. Go to the summarised page for a lengthy article on St. Patrick.
St. Patrick’s Background: Born in Scotland around 385-390, St. Patrick, originally named Patricius Magonus Sucatus, was of British origin1. His father, Calpurnius, was a deacon and a civil official2.
- Captivity and Mission: At around 14-16 years old, Patrick was captured by Irish raiders and enslaved in Ireland3. After six years, he escaped, studied in Gaul, and later returned to Ireland as a missionary, succeeding Saint Palladius.
- Legacy and Miracles: Known for abolishing paganism and idolatry in Ireland, St. Patrick is credited with miracles like driving snakes from Ireland and using the shamrock to explain the Trinity. He established the Church in Ireland on lasting foundations4.
- Writings and Veneration: His writings, including the “Confessio” and the “Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus,” reflect his dedication and humility. St. Patrick’s cult began in France and spread, with numerous legends and sites in Ireland commemorating his life and work.
Below, I have added quotes from the Celtic and Old English Saints website.
He received some kind of training for the priesthood in either Britain or Gaul, possibly in Auxerre, including study of the Latin Bible, but his learning was not of a high standard, and he was to regret this always. He spent the next 15 years at Auxerre were he became a disciple of Saint Germanus (f.d. July 31) and was possibly ordained about 417. Germanus is also said to have consecrated him bishop. [This is incorrect – Patrick was consecrated bishop by St Maxim of Turin during the time he was returning from Rome to Auxerre].
Celtic and Old English Saints 17th March
Heric of Auxerre wrote in the 5th century:
Since the glory of the father shines in the training of the children, of the many sons in Christ whom St. Germain is believed to have had as disciples in religion, let it suffice to make mention here, very briefly, of one most famous, Patrick, the special Apostle of the Irish nation, as the record of his work proves. Subject to that most holy discipleship for 18 years, he drank in no little knowledge in Holy Scripture from the stream of so great a well-spring. Germain sent him, accompanied by Segetius, his priest, to Celestine, Pope of Rome, approved of by whose judgement, supported by whose authority, and strengthened by whose blessing, he went on his way to Ireland.
Celtic and OLd English Saints 17th March
In art, Saint Patrick is represented as a bishop driving snakes before him or trampling upon them. At times he may be shown (1) preaching with a serpent around the foot of his pastoral staff; (2) holding a shamrock; (3) with a fire before him; or (4) with a pen and book, devils at his feet, and seraphim above him (Roeder, White). He is patron of Ireland and especially venerated at Lerins (Roeder, White).
Other Lives
- http://www.nireland.com/orthodox/padraig.htm
- Confession of St. Patrick by; St. Patrick
- FIACC: Hymn on the Life of St. Patrick
Troparion of St Patrick
Tone 4
Most glorious art Thou, O Christ our God
Who didst establish our Father Patrick
as the Enlightener of the Irish and a torch-bearer on earth,
and through him Thou didst guide many to the true Faith.
O Most Compassionate Lord, glory to Thee.
References:
Text: celticsaints.org. (n.d.). Celtic and Old English Saints – 17 March. [online] Available at: https://celticsaints.org/2024/0317a.html [Accessed 18 Mar. 2024].
Image : jean (2021). La cuirrasse – Prière de saint Patrick. [online] Prie en Chemin. Available at: https://prieenchemin.org/la-cuirrasse-priere-de-saint-patrick [Accessed 18 Mar. 2024].