I interrupt shamrocks at school and green beer at the bar to introduce you to the real St Patrick (mid-400's) in his own words. Words that captured me years ago to the point I chose him as my primary historical mentor. His 'Confession' is not book length, but its longer than a magazine article. If you engage in festivities today, how about pulling this up on your phone and at least reading a bit to your fellow revellers?
Here's the traditional gravestone of St. Patrick - the first place I drove when I got off the plane in Ireland. I then walked to the closest Pub (600 years old) and drank my first Guiness while re-reading Patrick's 'Confession.'
Friends, this is St Patrick. Patrick, these are my friends - now please tell us about yourself - your childhood, capture by pirates, escape from slavery, committment to Christ, and unorthodox ministry to the pagan Celts of Ireland in the 5th century AD.
‘My name is Patrick...
I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. I am looked down upon by many.
My father was Calpornius. He was a deacon; his father was Potitus, a priest, who lived at Bannavem Taburniae.
His home was near there, and that is where I was taken prisoner.
I was about sixteen at the time...'
