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Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

March 18, 2021
By Donald M. Larson, PhD

In chapel this week, the HS hosted the 8th grade students, and we talked about St. Patrick. When most of us think about St. Patrick’s Day, we think of shamrocks, wearing green, getting pinched if we don’t wear green, green libations, and parades. As our nation turns aggressive against our faith, we should take every opportunity we have to remember and celebrate the lives of the faithful. Hebrews gives us our first Hall of Faith, and we have had many since then. St. Patrick is one of the faithful who we can celebrate. 

St. Patrick was born in Wales under Roman rule around 390 AD. His parents were wealthy, and his father was a Christian Deacon. Patrick was not a believer when he was young. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders who often raided the coast of Roman Britain and sold those who were kidnapped as slaves to wealthy Irish. Patrick was sold and became a shepherd. Out in the cold, damp hills of Ireland, he was lonely and often afraid. It was during this time that God worked on his heart, and Patrick turned to Christianity for hope and salvation. After six years of slavery, God spoke to Patrick and told him that it was time to leave Ireland and that was a boat waiting for him. He walked 200 miles to the coast and boarded the boat. After reaching Britain, he returned home to his family.

During his time at home, he studied the Christian faith and entered the priesthood. This was when he took his Christian name of Patricius, or Patrick, which means father or father figure. He then departed for Gaul to continue his studies. After this, God called Patrick back to Ireland which was pagan and primarily followed the Druid religion. He served as a missionary for 30 years and was named a Bishop of Ireland.

He is credited for driving all the snakes out of Ireland and using the shamrock as a representation of the Trinity. There is neither proof for nor against either of these. St. Patrick was never canonized by the church but is recognized for his missionary work and ministry in Ireland. When traveling around Ireland with his priests, they would often pray or sing a lorica, which is a prayer for protection. This has become known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate:

"Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger."

St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17, because that was the day of his death, so when we celebrate this day, we need to remember the rich history of St. Patrick and his contribution to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Peggy says:
March 19, 2021 11:14 AM CST
Thanks, Dr. Larson for writing about St. Patrick, drawing attention to his missional life. I have long been a big fan of his. Peggy