Saint Patrick - the Man behind the Myth

Saint Patrick of Ireland
Died 460-464
March 17
Also known as: Maewyn Succat; Apostle of Ireland; Patricius; Patrizio Profile Kidnapped from the British mainland around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. Sent to the mountains as a shepherd, he spent his time in prayer. After six years of this life, he had a dream in which he received a command to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he escaped. Studied in continental monasteries. Priest. Bishop. Sent by Pope Saint Celestine to evangelize England, then Ireland, during which his chariot driver was Saint Odran, and Saint Jarlath was one of his spiritual students. In 33 years he effectively converted Ireland. In the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the great repositories of learning in Europe, all a consequence of Patrick's ministry.
Born: 387-390 at Scotland as Maewyn Succat
Died: 461-464 at Saul, County Down, Ireland
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning: warlike (Succat - pagan birth name); noble (Patricius - baptismal name) Patronage: against snakes, archdiocese of Boston Massachusetts, diocese of Burlington Vermont, engineers, excluded people, fear of snakes, diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ireland, archdiocese of New York, Nigeria, diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, diocese of Portland, Maine, diocese of Sacramento, California, snake bites

Representation: bishop driving snakes before him; bishop trampling on snakes; shamrock; snakes; cross; harp; demons; baptismal font

Saint Patrick used the shamrock to describe the trinity as three parts making up one whole.

Readings: I came to the Irish people to preach the Gospel and endure the taunts of unbelievers, putting up with reproaches about my earthly pilgrimage, suffering many persecutions, even bondage, and losing my birthright of freedom for the benefit of others. If I am worthy, I am ready also to give up my life, without hesitation and most willingly, for Christ's name. I want to spend myself for that country, even in death, if the Lord should grant me this favor. It is among that people that I want to wait for the promise made by him, who assuredly never tells a lie. He makes this promise in the Gospel: "They shall come from the east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." This is our faith: believers are to come from the whole world.
from the Confession of Saint Patrick

Prayer of Saint Patrick from his Breastplate
Christ shield me this day:
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me