Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Scotland c.385. As a young boy he was taken to Ireland as a slave and forced to tend sheep. During his captivity he turned to prayer. Writing in his Confessio he said “more and more the love of God increased, and my sense of awe before God…God showed me how to have faith in him forever as one who is never to be doubted”. After escaping from slavery he decided to enter the priesthood. He later became bishop for Ireland and preached throughout the country, converting many to Christianity and organising the Church. He endured many persecutions but empowered by the Holy Spirit persisted in his mission until his death in the year 461.
As Christians we can each further the mission of Saint Patrick in our country today by being witnesses of our faith. The faith which Saint Patrick brought to this island all those centuries ago is a precious gift which has been passed onto us through many generations. There have been many persecutions of that faith over the years but each time it has survived. The faith has been rooted in the lives of our ancestors. It has been passed to us by our parents and grandparents and God’s providence will ensure it flourishes for many generations to come. But the Church is facing challenging times today and we need modern day missionaries to continue the mission of Saint Patrick sharing the joy of our Catholic faith with others.
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s day makes me reflect on my own faith journey which began at baptism. I’m very grateful to my parents who gave me the name Patrick, committing to bringing me up in the love of God and the practice of the Catholic faith. Throughout my life many occasions have reminded me of Saint Patrick. I received the sacraments of initiation in a church dedicated to Saint Patrick. I went on many pilgrimages to Croagh Patrick and my host parish at the 2008 World Youth Day was Saint Patrick’s in Bondi, Sydney. My faith has been my compass point and I have experienced the goodness of God in so many ways. Going to the Emmanuel School of Mission in Rome was a particularly blessed time in my life which has filled me with the desire to be missionary in heart, action and mind. God wants all of us to experience the fullness of life which he has planned for us. Although there are many challenges along the way we are never alone, he is always with us.
We give you thanks, almighty God, for sending Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland. Grant that we who are proud to call ourselves Christians may never cease to proclaim to the world the good news of salvation. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Pontifical University Saint Thomas Acquinas).
