Saint5th century · Feast March 17
Also known as Patrick of Ireland, Patricius, Apostle of Ireland
A former captive who returned to Ireland as a missionary bishop and helped establish Christian communities among the people who had once enslaved him.
Patrick was born in Roman Britain and was kidnapped by Irish raiders as a teenager. During years of captivity he learned to pray deeply, escaped and returned home, then later discerned a call to serve in Ireland. His own writings reveal humility, hardship, missionary courage and trust in God.
Patrick served as Roman authority receded from Britain and Christian mission developed in fifth-century Ireland.
Prayer forged in hardship, missionary courage, forgiveness and trust in the Trinity.
Patrick speaks to migrants, people recovering from trauma and anyone called to return with freedom and purpose to a place associated with suffering.
People turn to St Patrick in matters of:
Triune God, through St Patrick’s intercession turn our wounds into compassion and give us courage to carry the Gospel with humility and peace. Amen.
c. 400
Is kidnapped from Roman Britain and enslaved in Ireland
c. 406
Escapes captivity and returns home
5th century
Returns to Ireland as a missionary bishop
c. 461
Dies after decades of ministry
Source-quality status: unverified prototype