St. Patrick’s Origins
Let us open with a word of prayer.
From St. Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. AMEN.
As with most special days and occasions, St. Patrick’s Day has been commercialized. But, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day is a day that honors the life and witness of St. Patrick (385? – 461?). There are many legends that surround this saint. One thing is certain, St. Patrick left his mark on history in that he is known as the patron saint of Ireland. According to his own record, St. Patrick’s father was both a deacon in the church and a councilor under the Roman government. His native origin is speculated by some as Scotland. Others claim that it was England. Still, there are others who claim that it was France. But, he was not Irish.
At the age of 15, he was captured and carried off to Ireland by following a raid on his home town that was carried out by “Irish pirates” according to Clyde L. Manschreck. (William H. Gentz ed. The Dictionary Of Bible And Religion. C. L. Manschreck. “Patrick.” Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1986, pages 784-785). In Ireland, he was enslaved and kept swine in Armagh for 7 years. It was during that time that he surrendered his life to God. Shortly thereafter, he escaped and returned home. But, he was still uneasy. His family begged him not to return to Ireland, but he felt compelled to return as a missionary. Later, he went to Gaul and Italy and studied under the Germans at Auxerre. “He studied the Latin Bible thoroughly” (according to C. L. Manschreck, p. 784). At 60, he returned to Ireland as a Bishop.
In Ireland, he challenged the heathen practices of Tara which was the realm of idolatryand wizardry in Ireland. Leoghain, the overlord of the wizards opposed him for thirty years. Then, Leoghain was baptized and led to Christ. Leoghain’s daughters were also won to Christ. “In his endeavor to win the two daughters of Leoghain to Christ, Patrick affirmed that “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not divided,” and illustrated the truth by the three leaf shamrock twig in his hand. This is why the Shamrock became the symbol of Ireland.” (Herbert Lockyer. All The Holy Days And Holidays. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1968, pages 45-47). Aside from the legends about the life of Saint Patrick, the story above is based upon actual facts.
Pastor John M. Williams, III
Mark Your Calendar
Financial Reports
Attendance and Offerings
Y-T-D Contributions
0 Comments