There Is Much To Learn From Saint Patrick

You don’t have to be Catholic to admire and appreciate the life of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. He was born more than 1,600 years ago, but his memory still lives on. It certainly doesn’t hurt that his holiday is often a day of much fanfare and celebration for people of Irish background. Saint Patrick himself was known to enjoy a drink or two. However, the celebratory aspect of the day should not overshadow the remarkable life and good works of the man.

From Slavery To Missionary

As a teenager of wealth and privilege, he was kidnapped and taken from his adopted home of Scotland (his parents were originally from Rome), brought to Ireland, and sold into slavery. At the age of twenty, he escaped his bondage and found his way back home, only to volunteer to return to Ireland in his thirties as an ordained priest on a missionary quest. He spent the remainder of his life spreading his beliefs nationwide and converting people from diverse backgrounds. His journey was an arduous one; he was often imprisoned and beaten for his beliefs and success.

Lessons From Saint Patrick's Life

There is much to learn from the life of Saint Patrick, including the following:

• No matter what happens to you, don’t forsake hope or allow yourself to be fully defined by your adverse circumstances.
• A life of privilege is meaningless unless you can anchor it to something more profound and “bigger” than yourself.
• It takes courage and persistence to commit yourself to a cause you believe in.
• You can accomplish remarkable things in life if you genuinely believe in what you’re doing and your values align with your work.
• Confront your fears head-on and grow because of (not despite) your negative experiences.
• Speak up when you witness injustice and assist others whenever possible, even if doing so comes with a cost.
• A life of significance is the result of diligent daily effort.

To my knowledge, the Vatican has never officially canonized Saint Patrick, but he remains on the list of saints. At times, the accomplishments of a life can stand on their own. I urge you to think about toasting Saint Patrick if you raise a glass this weekend. He was a remarkable individual who achieved significant accomplishments despite numerous difficulties and hardships. He prioritized others’ welfare and sparked a nation’s religious transformation. Related articles

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