St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect opportunity for Catholics to deepen our understanding of the Apostle of Ireland.
Many of the traditions associated with St. Patrick are well known. His capture and enslavement in Ireland as a youth of 16 years, herding animals on Slemish mountain in County Antrim, the legend of the snakes banished, the fire on Tara Hill, and the use of the shamrock in teaching the Irish people about the Trinity.
Two texts are known to have been written by Patrick himself. His Confessio is his autobiography, written in defense of his missionary work in Ireland in response to his accusers in England, who, he says, considered him “worthless.”
By examining his authentic words and the enduring traditions he left behind, we find a saint whose fifth-century faith remains extremely relevant. Here are seven ways to deepen your understanding of the Apostle of Ireland.
1. Letter to Coroticus on Slavery and Trafficking
St. Patrick’s lesser-known piece of writing is his “Letter to Coroticus,” addressed to Coroticus, a Roman commander in Britain. The letter is a stern rebuke because of the “evil-minded” Coroticus’ slavery and human trafficking, a timeless message so relevant today.
Patrick writes:
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