LAKE JAMES

NORTH CAROLINA

 

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Saint Patrick, Bishop and Missionary

Patrick was born in 390 in a village called Bannavem.  His grandfather was a Christian priest and his father, although an official of the Roman government in Britain, was a Christian deacon.  At the age of 16, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish slave-raiders and forced to serve as a shepherd for some five years before escaping and making his way back to Britain.  Soon after his return, he had a vision bidding him to evangelize Ireland, something which he was eventually able to do, but not until more than twenty years had passed.  A good example of God's timetable being different than ours!

Educated at the monastery of Lerins, he was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood.  At the age of 41, he was sent to assist a bishop in Ireland and, a year later at that bishop's death, was consecrated to the episcopate by St. Germanus.  It is written that Patrick sought out the man who had been his master during his time of slavery, hoping to convert him, but who, seeing Patrick's approach, committed suicide.  In spite of great opposition from the Druids, Patrick gained toleration for Christianity and converted several members of the royal family.  He founded numerous churches and several religious communities.  In 444, he established a Cathedral Church at Armagh which is the seat of the Primate of all Ireland to this day.

St. Patrick's Breastplate (Hymn 370 - "I bind unto myself this day"), while probably not written by Patrick himself, well expresses his great faith and zeal.  His Feast Day is March 17th and is celebrated, not only by genuine Irish folk such as Father John, buy by all of us who, on that day, may don a bit of green, speak with a brogue, and at least wish we were Irish! 

A Collect for the Feast of Saint Patrick

Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

ATKZ+

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To learn more about Saint Patrick from Catholic Encyclopedia, click here.

 

This page last modified on Friday, April 11, 2008 09:40 PM