First published in The Craic is Back magazine. Reproduced with kind permission.
Patrick’s first appearance on Irish soil was not as a conquering hero but as a trafficked slave. Later he seized an opportunity to flee from the land of his captivity to a place of safety. After several years of preparation, drawn by the Holy Spirit, and receiving, ‘the call of the Irish’ he chose to return to Ireland carrying a message of eternal truth. He did not go to Ireland as an explorer to a foreign land but as a missionary. Through his ministry a nation was converted to Christ.
On 17th March each year we honour St Patrick and we celebrate all things Irish, especially Irish origins, identity and culture. Deep within the Irish character is the attribute of hospitality, an openness and ability to welcome. The Feast of St Patrick, even though it increases an Irish person’s sense of nationhood, is never insular, it contains an invitation for others to share the joy and pride we feel on this day. A sure and genuine sign of confidence and good heartedness.
What does the faith we have inherited from St Patrick say to us in 2022? We are to have a concern for victims of slavery and trafficking. Remembering that St Patrick returned to his place of persecution to preach the love of Christ we are to be big hearted, generous and forgiving. Understanding who we are and where we come from is incomplete without reference to the person of St Patrick.
Ireland is no longer on the outskirts of civilization, it now attracts exiles from many countries. In keeping with the Irish spirit may they find a welcome, a place at the hearth. At home and abroad we remain true to the legacy of St Patrick when we strive to lift up another person, promote their dignity and remind them and ourselves of God’s love for all his people and act accordingly. There are things which are perennially legitimate and worthy of unceasing desire. Among them are the concluding words of the hymn we love to sing on the Feast of our National Apostle, ‘and our hearts shall yet burn wheresoever we roam, for God and St Patrick and our native home’. May our hearts burn again as we celebrate our Feast.
Happy St Patrick’s Day!