The Celtic Revival, which Patrick helped to launch, lasted nearly 400 years. As the memory of those glory days began to fade, writers appeared to record the lives of those great saints and, for certain of them, their relationship to Patrick. Today’s excerpt from Patrick: A Devotional History, is found on pages 12 and 13:
“[W]hat we see, especially in the hagiographical writings of this period, is a memory of Patrick as a touchstone, a starting-point, or a standard which faithful Irish believers should not forget.
“Patrick was looked back upon as a true beginning for Irish Christianity. There were faithful saints laboring in Ireland before Patrick arrived—the fruit, or at least, the residue of the work begun by Palladius early in the 5th century. It may well have been that Patrick received his formation for ministry from the likes of Declan, Ailbe, Iubar, and Ciarán. These men had all known fruit in their ministries, but their work was mostly confined to a local area. Patrick would take the Gospel all over Ireland again and again throughout the course of his ministry.
“It was important to remember that Jesus had sent Patrick to Ireland, precisely as Patrick claimed in his Confession. The report of Patrick’s commissioning, as given in the first Life of Ciaran of Saighir, was embellished to add that this commissioning took place on Mount Sinai. I suspect, however, that the composer intended to establish both a New Testament (Jesus) as well as an Old Testament (the Law on Mount Sinai) foundation for Patrick’s ministry, just as his Confession indicates.
“Patrick is remembered as humble and full of grace—like Jesus. For at least these writers, his example stood as one which must be recovered if anything like a great work such as his were to be resumed.”
For reflection or discussion
1. What do you think we might have to learn from Patrick?
2. Do you think learning about these old saints is a worthwhile endeavor? Why or why not?
We are but the latest generation of those who have believed in Jesus for nearly 2,000 years now. The Gospel has come down to us because our forebears in the faith were diligent, courageous, and faithful in transmitting it to their successors. We must do the same, and we can learn from people like Patrick how God can use us as His ambassadors and messengers to the future. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss the questions. Go to The Ailbe Bookstore and download the free PDF of Patrick: A Devotional History, and learn more about this great saint.
T. M. Moore
