Patrick
lived in the fifth century, a time of rapid change and transition. In many ways
we might say that those times of turbulence and uncertainty were not unlike our
own. The Roman Empire was beginning to break up, and Europe was about to enter
the so-called Dark Ages. Rome fell to barbarian invaders in 410. Within ten
years of that time, the Roman forces began to leave Britain to return to Rome
to defend positions back home. Life, once so orderly and predictable under
Roman domination, now became chaotic and uncertain. Patrick entered the world
of that time.
Patrick
was born Patricius somewhere in Roman Britain to a relatively wealthy family.
He was not religious as a youth and, in fact, claims to have practically
renounced the faith of his family. While in his teens, Patrick was kidnapped in
a raid and transported to Ireland, where he was enslaved to a local warlord and
worked as a shepherd until he escaped six years later. He returned home and
eventually undertook studies for the priesthood with the intention of returning
to Ireland as a missionary to his former captors. It is not clear when he
actually made it back to Ireland, or for how long he ministered there, but it
was definitely for a number of years. By the time he wrote the Confession and
the "Letter to Coroticus," Patrick was recognized by both Irish
natives and the Church hierarchy as the bishop of Ireland. By this time, also,
he had clearly made a permanent commitment to Ireland and intended to die
there. Scholars have no reason to doubt that he did. He died on March 17 the
day we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
You know I love ya, Don
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