A Reflection on St. Patrick

Legends about St. Patrick abound; but truth is best served by our seeing two solid qualities in him: he was humble and he was courageous. The determination to accept suffering and success with equal indifference guided the life of God’s instrument for winning most of Ireland for Christ.

At 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and sold as a slave. Forced to work as a shepherd, he suffered greatly from hunger and cold. After six years Patrick escaped, probably to France, and later returned to Britain at the age of 22. His captivity had meant spiritual conversion.

What distinguishes Patrick is the durability of his efforts. When one considers the state of Ireland when he began his mission work, the vast extent of his labors, and how the seeds he planted continued to grow and flourish, one can only admire the kind of man Patrick must have been. The holiness of a person is known only by the fruits of his or her work. *
 
Students, Patrick experienced great difficulties at an age very close to yours and God used this experience as a way to bring Patrick closer to Jesus. Let us pray that God reaches into your hearts and leads you into His loving arms during this time. We pray that you open your hearts and minds to the strength and courage that God offers you. 
 
Teachers and parents, we may be feeling anxious and uncertain about this unprecedented situation, about the cancellations of our regular daily routines, about our limited social connections, about our health and that of our loved ones. Let us pray for the humility and courage of St. Patrick, imitate the durability of his efforts, and pray that this time bears spiritual fruit in our community.
 
Let us pray for all who do become sick with COVID-19, for their full recovery and for the quick recession of the disease. Finally, let us pray for our leaders, for medical personnel, for emergency workers and all who are on the front lines of this battle.
 
* Excerpted from St. Patrick, Saint of the Day for March 17  franciscanmedia.org