St. Patrick (5th Century)
Feast Day - March 17th
Patrick was born to a clerical family in Roman Britain, but his Confession indicates that he gave little heed to religious matters until enslaved by Irish pagans. Through six years tending his master's herds he drew near to God in prayer. Then, prompted by a voice in his sleep, Patrick escaped, walking 200 miles to the ship that would at last carry him home. The homecoming was short-lived, for a few years later a fresh vision called Patrick back to evangelize the Irish. After studies on the Continent, he was ordained and entrusted with the mission. To avoid impropriety, Patrick declined gifts from the wealthy and noble. While this left him without the protection of Irish affinity, his miracles and preaching won many souls to Christ. Establishing his first see at Armagh, Patrick labor tirelessly among threats and hardships until the faith was established throughout the island, trusting always in "God's power to guide me, God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to teach me, God's eye to watch over me" (St. Patrick' s Breastplate). Patron of Ireland, engineers
DonorDr. and Mrs. William Freccia and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians |
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