Shamrocks, leprechauns and the color green often mark the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17. But there is much more to the story of the man named Patrick, a truly bold and faithful missionary.
Born in Britain in the fourth century, Patrick lived a full life, but not without his share of suffering and adventure. Just before he turned 16, Patrick was kidnapped from his family by Irish pirates. He was taken to Ireland, where he was sold as a slave to a Druid tribal chieftain.
It was at this time that he came to faith in Christ. In his autobiography, Confessions, Patrick wrote: “The Lord opened my senses to my unbelief, so that … I might remember my many sins; and accordingly I might turn to the Lord my God with all my heart.” Patrick soon earned the nickname “Holy Boy” among his fellow slaves for his deep devotion to God.
Six years after he was kidnapped, Patrick escaped, traveling two hundred miles to the coast and joining a departing ship. Two years later, Patrick finally returned to his homeland and his parents. He began studying to become a priest — until he had an unusual dream.
He dreamed of a man carrying a letter with the words “The Voice of the Irish.” Patrick seemed to hear the voices of the men he had worked with, shouting, “Holy broth of a boy, we beg you, come back and walk once more among us.” After that, Patrick decided that he would go back to Ireland.
Despite concern from his parents and church leaders, Patrick returned to Ireland to share the gospel. He later wrote, “So at last I came here to the Irish gentiles to preach the gospel. … And should I prove worthy, I am ready and willing to give up my own life, without hesitation, for his name.” Patrick willingly became a “slave of Christ serving the barbaric nation.”
Patrick preached the gospel across Ireland and even to his former slave owner. He encountered much opposition, and there were many attempts on his life; he was even briefly enslaved again. Still, Patrick remained faithful and shared Christ until his death on March 17 in A.D. 461. Later, mythological Irish leprechauns and the shamrock would creep into holiday celebrations.
May Patrick’s courageous life inspire you to stand firm in Christ as you tell others about the greatest gift we can ever be given: salvation through Jesus!
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