St. Patrick

Born: A.D.385  - A man of courage, profound faith, love of the Irish, and the father of Celtic Christianity - Died: 17 March, A.D. 461

"It was there that the Lord opened the understanding of my unbelieving heart, so that I should recall my sins and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God" - St. Patrick
DID YOU KNOW:
  • St. Patrick was not Irish. He was of Scottish/British origins.
  • At the age of 16, Patrick was captured by Irish priates from his home in England and sold into slavery in Ireland.
  • During his time of imprisonment, something very important happened in Patrick's life - He turned to God.
  • After six years of slavery, Patrick finally escaped from Ireland.
  • Now that Patrick was released, he made an incredible decision. He decided to return to Ireland, the place of his imprisonment, as a missionary. He wanted to share with them the message that had changed his life.
  • Patrick knew the importance of cultivating relationships with the Irish, so they would eventually want to be in relationship with the One true God.
  • Patrick observed the Sabbath as was established by YHWH in the garden at creation. (Genesis 2:2-3)

  • Patrick knew that the people of Ireland were actually the captive ones - in slavery to sin. They were trapped by the deceptions of myths, with no hope or meaning in life. Patrick knew that only Yeshua could deliver them.
  • Patrick suffered greatly at times being put in chains, barely escaping with his life. Many followers of Yeshua (Jesus) were put to death during this time. Nevertheless, Patrick boldly continued to preach the truth about Yeshua (Jesus).
  • Ireland responded in amazing ways to this good news. People listened to Patrick's preaching and understood how Yeshua (Jesus) had defeated death and paid for sins. In fact, all of Ireland was affected, and as a result the world remembers Patrick to this day. However, it was not to Patrick that early Ireland responded - but to Yeshua our Messiah!