The Collect
O ALMIGHTY God, who in thy providence didst choose thy servant Patrick to be an apostle to the people of Ireland to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of thee: Grant us so to walk in that light, that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through the merits of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
Each year the Anglican Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Patrick, fifth-century bishop and missionary of Ireland, on March 17, the day of his death in 461.
Holy Women, Holy Men tells us that Patrick was born in Britain around 390. His grandfather had been a Christian priest, and his father was a deacon in the Catholic church. When Patrick was a young man, he was captured by a band of Irish slavers and taken to Ireland to serve as a shepherd. When Patrick was in his early 20s, he escaped and returned to Britain. After taking holy orders as both presbyter and bishop, he had a vision, calling him to return to Ireland.
Around the year 431, when Patrick returned to Ireland, he began converting Irish pagans into Christians by appealing to the local kings, and through them to their tribes. Patrick built Christian churches over sacred pagan sites, carved crosses on old druidic pillars, and protected sacred wells and springs with Catholic saints.
Saint Patrick is generally credited with being the first bishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, is celebrated as both a liturgical and non-liturgical holiday. In popular culture, this feast day is often a celebration of Ireland herself.
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