Little Known Facts About St. Patrick

The myths and commercialism surrounding the modern celebration of St. Patrick's Day often overshadows the original purpose for celebrating. If you are like me, you have probably always associated the saint with the color green, four leaf clovers, and excessive use of alcoholic beverages. These images are not exactly synonymous of those I would use for sainthood. So, who was this man of mystery? What was his story?

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was actually born in Britain. His father was a Roman official. As a teenager, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. As a slave, Patrick spent much time praying as he herded sheep and pigs. Years later, he escaped and returned to his family. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary. Some sources suggest that St. Patrick's original name was Maewyn Succat and only received the name Patrick when he became a bishop.

One legend of St. Patrick's work as a missionary says that during his evangelistic journey back to Ireland, he carried a staff made of ash wood. When he came to the place now referred to as Aspatria, which means the ash of Patrick, he supposedly planted his staff in the ground during his preaching and by the time he was ready to move on, it had grown roots. While the validity of this story may be questionable, it certainly underscores the vigor with which St. Patrick ministered to the Irish people.

While his methods for teaching and ministering to the Irish people is not very well recorded, many sources suggest that he used a three-leafed clover to explain the concept of the Trinity to his congregation. The connection between this legend and the common lucky four-leaf clover symbol associated with the holiday that celebrates his passing remains slightly mysterious.

Whatever his personality and methods in missionary work may have been, it is no doubt that his life impacted many people. The local legends even attribute to St. Patrick the banishing of snakes from Ireland. Ironically, however, there is no record of snakes residing in Ireland since the glaciers covering the land mass melted. Historians have since suggested that the legend might be symbolic, but there is little evidence of this connection.

Even though he was very diligent and made obvious strides in his work there, St. Patrick did not always enjoy his mission in Ireland. Some evidence suggests instances of physical beatings, theft, being tied in chains and generally bullying by the local pagans who did not appreciate his message. Unfortunately, it was not only the pagans from whom St. Patrick had to fear. In one of the two original writings historians have recovered from St. Patrick, one of them (Confessio) concerns unspecified charges made against him by fellow Christians at a trial. While the charges are not exactly detailed, the letter includes general references to accepting money and gifts for several pastoral services and favors. The accusations did not leave any lasting impression on his legacy, however.

Perhaps it is for reasons such as this that he expresses a homesickness to go back to his county and his parents in a quotation from his Confessio. However, he seemed to feel that being in Ireland was indeed his calling and remained in Ireland until his death.

Believe it or not, St. Patrick has never been formally canonized by a Pope like the other catholic saints. The Roman Catholic Church, however, does generally agree that he is a Saint in Heaven, and his name is on the List of Saints.

While an air of mystery still shrouds this notorious historical figure, one thing is obvious- his character and good name. Time and the endless quibbles of experts may have served to misconstrue many details of the saint's life, but all agree on the incredible impact his presence had in the nation of Ireland. His obedience to God and his passion for the Irish people have not been disputed. So, this year as you don your bright green clover-clad gear and perhaps wade through a drunken crowd of those ignorantly celebrating the Irish tradition, I hope you will take a moment to consider the namesake of the day, his contribution to the world, and allow his legacy to inspire you to live the life you feel called to live.

Sources:

BBC

Catholic Encyclopedia

St. Patrick's Confessio

St. Patrick's Epistola

Wikipedia