(5th century) Born in Britain at the end of Roman rule, Patrick was the only name he used for himself in his own writings, but sources written a few hundred years later provide names similar to Maewyn Succat. He was kidnapped by pirates at 16 and enslaved in Ireland for 6 years. During this time his personal prayer life blossomed and he followed God’s inspiration to flee 200 miles to a port where he boarded a ship back to Britain. Patrick became a priest, then a bishop, and returned to Ireland as a missionary. He is credited with effectively converting the island in his 33 years there. Stories of shamrocks, snakes, and face-offs with druids came hundreds of years later, but the man of miracles and the inspiration of the famous “Breastplate of Saint Patrick” prayer was no doubt a historical reality.
Patrick was called back to the very people that enslaved him. Do you try to share a message of recovery with those enslaved by your previous bondage?
“I came to the Irish people to preach the Gospel and endure the taunts of unbelievers, putting up with reproaches about my earthly pilgrimage, suffering many persecutions, even bondage, and losing my birthright of freedom for the benefit of others” (Saint Patrick).
Reflection by Brad Farmer