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Celtic Legacy

To Ireland

Patrick recounts the beginning of his ministry in Ireland.

The writings of Patrick (8)

I spend some years among the Irish to
prepare myself to follow what I knew
to be my calling from the Lord. It was
not I who made this choice to go, because,
as I have said, the Lord was calling me.
And at the time I came across the sea
I barely knew the Lord, though He was dear
to me. And this was good, for it was clear
He would reform and shape me, and prepare
me so that I might serve His sheep and care
for all His flocks, as I am doing yet
today. And so, though once I would not let
my mind consider all my own need of
His saving mercy, now the Father’s love
for others is my care and my concern.

There was so much that I would need to learn,
and much that I would never understand.
I studied and I served the Savior, and
in time I was ordained a priest. But when
my name for bishop was suggested, then
I was attacked by certain ones among
my seniors. It was not that I was young
that they opposed me, but they made their case
against me – mind you, not before my face,
but in my absence – for a youthful sin.
And on that shameful day did I begin
to be so strongly tempted that I might
have fallen, yes, both here and in the night
of all eternity; but God showed me
His mercy, me, this humble exile. He
came mightily to bolster me and to
support me till this dreadful trial was through.
For it was not through me that this disgrace
and scandal came to light before the face
of God and men. And yet I pray God will
not hold this act of sin against them still.
They found a pretext from some thirty years
before, and brought against me, to my tears
and sorrow, a confession I had told
unto a friend before I came to hold
the deacon’s office, which I told to him
when I was in a melancholy, grim,
and anxious state of mind. When I was just
a boy, before I knew the Lord – I must
have been fifteen – one day, indeed, one hour
I yielded to temptation’s awful power,
and it was this, as I believe, that found
me taken from my home to Ireland, bound
in chains. The Lord chastised me for my sin,
and now it was before me yet again,
impeding my appointment. So I was
rejected by my seniors, and because
of this was my episcopate delayed.

But God, Who called me to this labor, stayed
beside me, so that on that very night
He came to me within a dream; and right
before me were the documents that caused
my shame and my dishonor. But He paused
not, saying, “It displeases Us to see
Our chosen one thus stripped of honor.” He
said not, “displeases Me,” but “Us,” as though
He linked Himself with me, that I might know
that I was still His choice, as if He said
“Whoever touches you, or harms your head,
has touched the apple of My eye.” And so
I offer thanks to Him Who made me know
His mercy and Who strengthened me in all
my weaknesses, for He did not recall
me from my place of exile for His name,
but showed His favor in the works I came
to do, and which I from the Lord had learned.

And so, much more I felt His power had turned
my shame to vindication in the face
of God and men. Though I cannot erase
what I have done, I tell you boldly that
my conscience does no more reproach me at
this matter. As the Lord is witness, I
do not deceive in what I say, nor lie.

For more about Patrick and the impact of his ministry, order a copy of The Legacy of Patrick, by T. M. Moore from our online store.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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