St. Patrick of Ireland (fifth century)
Recovering reliable historical information about many of the saints is difficult if not impossible, and Saint Patrick (c. 390–461) is no exception. Born in Scotland, Patrick was imprisoned and taken to Ireland when he was about sixteen years old. He retuned to Scotland, only to have a dream in which the people of Ireland called out to him, “we beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once again.” He did return, and although the details are obscure and the legends are large, he wandered and ministered in Ireland for over thirty years, converting the nation.
A Collect for The Feast of Saint Patrick
Almighty Father,
you have built up your Church
through the love and devotion of your saints:
inspire us to follow the example of Patrick,
whom we commemorate today,
that we in our generation may rejoice with him
in the vision of your glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
Gospel for the Feast of St. Patrick: Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland not because he is in fact Irish, but because he was sent on a mission by the Holy Spirit to bring Christianity, and the Good News, to Ireland so that others might be called to a conversion. He followed in the obedience, trust, and faith that the early Apostles had in order to go out: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” It’s a mandate of inclusion, emphasizing that the gospel is for everyone, transcending cultural, geographic, and social boundaries. It also underlines the importance of both baptism a sign of commitment and teaching. St. Patrick would ultimately join all the Disciples, in the mission of make disciples of all nations.”
Patrick is a well-known Saint across the world. Today, we might celebrate his legacy in ways that are fun and joyous. It is also a challenge for us to celebrate his ultimate mission: believing in Christ and bringing the message of Christ to others.
May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your window pane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Let us Pray: O God, you gave Saint Patrick, to the people of Ireland, so that we might come to know you. Grant, we pray, that we will continue to proclaim your deeds to all. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 