St. Patrick

Enslaved in Ireland as a teenager, he escaped, became a bishop, and returned to convert his captors.

The story

Kidnapped by Irish raiders at sixteen, Patrick spent six years herding sheep and learning to pray. After escaping he was ordained and, in a dream, heard the Irish calling him back. He baptized thousands, ordained clergy, and confronted kings and druids, leaving behind his Confession, one of the most humble documents of the ancient Church.

What Patrick teaches

Return to the people who hurt you with the Gospel in your hands. Patrick's missionary zeal was born of forgiveness.

Patronage

Ireland, engineers, against snakes.

Prayer

St. Patrick, who brought the light of Christ to Ireland, pray that we may carry that light into every dark place. Amen.