Home » History » Irish History » Saint Patrick, Fact versus Fiction. Part one

Saint Patrick, Fact versus Fiction. Part one

© Lianne Bruynell Lopes

FACT

On Saint Patrick's day "everyone's Irish". The color green reigns, and shamrocks and leprechauns abound. In pubs you can find green beer, and at fast food eating places, green milkshakes. Most cities have a parade, even if not as grand as those in Chicago or New York. A festive time, it's a rather usual way to celebrate Ireland's patron saint, particularly the date of his death. Who was Saint Patrick, and why do the Irish honor him?

Patrick was not actually Irish himself. Although the exact date is debated, he was born some time around 385 AD, to a Roman family of wealth and prestige in Britain. In Ireland at this time, King Niall (pronounced "Neal") of the Nine Hostages was in power. He was a warrior king, and after making an alliance with the Scot and Pict tribes in Scotland, began raids on Britain. Niall took many captives during his raids, including young Patrick, who was about 16 at the time.

Patrick was made to tend sheep during his enslavement, and learned well the language and customs of his captors. Because of his forced occupation, it is possible Patrick spent plenty of time alone in the tranquility of an Irish day. With time to think, and reason to turn bitter and hate the people who had dragged him from his family and life of prosperity, he turned instead to God. By his own confession, he spent much time in prayer during the six years he was held. One day he escaped after God told him through a vision he'd make his escape by the sea. He reached the coast and found some sailors who took him home.

However, ingrained in his heart was the call from God to serve Him. Coupled with this was another vision Patrick had of the Irish people. "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more," they said. Patrick went to France where he studied for the priesthood and was ordained. He was at one point ordained a bishop, after which he set sail for Ireland, to convert the land of his former captivity. By the time Patrick died, on March 17, 461, most of Ireland had converted from their pagan ways to embrace the God of the gentle Patrick who in following the commandments in the Bible was able to "Love his enemies" enough to go back and share his faith with them.