About Our Patron Saint
St. Patrick was born around 385 AD in Scotland, probably in Kilpatrick. His parents, Calpurnius and Conchessa, were Romans living in Britain, in charge of Roman colonies. Calpurnius is thought to have been a deacon and Potitus, Patrick’s grandfather, a priest (prior to mandatory celibacy for priests).
At about age 14, Patrick was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave; made to herd and tend sheep. Ireland, at the time, was a land of pagans and Druids. Patrick learned the practices and customs of his captors. During captivity he wrote: “The love of God grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was roused… I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from snow or ice or rain.”
After about 6 years of captivity, Patrick is said to have heard a voice urging him to travel to a distant port, where a ship would return him to Britain. On his way back to Britain, Patrick was captured again, and sent to Tours, France. While in France, Patrick learned about French monasticism.
At the end of his second captivity, Patrick had a heavenly vision, and was instructed to bring Christianity to Ireland.
St. Germanus of Auxerre, France [378-448] ordained the young missionary and blessed Patrick’s call to return to Ireland.
St. Patrick returned to Ireland, and using the knowledge of Irish language and culture that he’d gained during his first captivity, brought Christianity and monasticism to Ireland. He is credited with establishing as many as 300 churches, and baptizing more than 100,000 Irish people. He is also widely reputed to be the first bishop of Ireland.
He often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity and entire kingdoms were eventually converted to Christianity after hearing Patrick's message.
St. Patrick worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in his Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.
The mural around the main sanctuary in the church depicts some of the main events in St. Patrick’s life.
