Saint Patrick, Bishop of Armagh
Patron Saint of Ireland
Patrick was born in Bannaventa Bernae, Britain in 390 AD, the son of Calpornius, a church deacon, and the grandson of Potitus, a priest, there being no restriction on marriage by priests in those early years of the Christian faith. His Latin name, Patricius, meant "of the patrician class" and his family was of the landowning aristocracy. Patrick's early life was spent enjoying the country life and studying Latin and other subjects.
As a teenager, Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland, where he spent six years tending flocks of sheep. Patrick was deeply affected by the cruelty and suffering he both experienced and witnessed, and eventually escaped captivity and returned home to Britain. He resumed his studies and was ordained into the priesthood. While praying for direction in his life, Patrick received his calling in a dream, and later wrote, "I seemed to hear 'the Voice of the Irish,' the voice of the same men who lived beside the forest of Foclut, which lies near the Western sea where the sun sets."
Patrick returned to Ireland to spread the Christian gospel and was made a bishop. He preached in areas that had not previously known any missionary work, and he had many converts, including the sons and daughters of Irish kings, but many of his earliest followers and converts were female slaves. As a minister among fiercely pagan tribes and bands, Patrick experienced enormous difficulties, including threats, kidnapping, robbery, and other violence. His "Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus" is thought to be the earliest known document to argue against the widespread practice of slavery.
Late in life, Patrick wrote his "Confession" the oldest copy of which is contained in the Book of Armagh, now housed in the same Trinity College Library in Dublin that contains the ancient Book of Kells. More than fifteen centuries later, Patrick's humble and concise description of his life and times serves as an inspiration to his many followers around the world. He wrote, "It seems I have become something of a celebrity in recent years, by God's will, even though I'm not the sort of person who should attract much attention." St. Patrick is today among the most popular saints in Christendom.
Celebrations marking Patrick's death on March 17, 460 AD have become an opportunity for people around the world who trace their ancestry to Ireland to celebrate his life and their own Irish heritage in song, dance, parades, and in the moderate consumption of traditional Irish food and beverages.
Spokane's annual parade in St. Patrick's honor is scheduled for Saturday, March 12th at noon, to be followed by weekend observances continuing through Thursday, March 17th, at O'Doherty's Irish Grille & Pub (525 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.) and at numerous other local venues and private homes.
In appreciation of St. Patrick's commitment to the just and decent treatment of women and children, his Spokane admirers suggest contributions in his honor to the Saint Margaret's Family Shelter at catholiccharitiesspokane.org.
