St. Patrick: An Example of Humility
“My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. I am looked down upon by many” (St. Patrick).
St. Patrick’s Day is a special feast day celebrated every year by the faithful on March 17th. While this day usually brings to mind shamrocks and leprechauns, all things green, and delicious food and drink, it is also an important day to honor St. Patrick and all his wonderful deeds that brought glory to God.
This feast day also coincides with the liturgical season of Lent, a penitential time in the liturgical calendar when we reflect on the Passion and death of Jesus. St. Patrick is a wonderful example of humility and honoring God through work and deeds, which is an important and crucial reminder for the faithful during the Lenten season.
St. Patrick’s Life
St. Patrick was born in 386 AD in Britain. At 16 years old, he was kidnapped and sold into slavery by Irish raiders. In his six years as a slave, he embraced his work as a shepherd to grow closer to Christ. He eventually found the courage to escape his captors and return home to Britain, where he experienced a vision calling him to return to Ireland and serve as a missionary. Prior to returning to Ireland, St. Patrick was ordained a bishop with the distinct mission to preach the Gospel to the Irish people.
St. Patrick returned to Ireland and began sharing the Gospel with everyone he met. St. Patrick is also well known for teaching complicated topics in a simple way. For example, it is believed that he used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to pagan people in Ireland. He had a deep respect and understanding of the Irish people, and used his ability to connect with them to help share the Gospel and build positive relationships with each individual he met.
St. Patrick baptised many pagans to Christianity, and also ordained countless priests and bishops. He helped build churches throughout Ireland, and earned deep respect and admiration, not only from the Irish people, but from Ireland’s leaders as well. When he passed away, many came to honor him from throughout Ireland. He is now the patron saint of Ireland, because he spread Christianity throughout the nation despite pagan leadership. Many generations of Christians can thank St. Patrick for their faith.
The Humility of St. Patrick
As evidenced through St. Patrick’s teachings and writings, he was a very humble servant of God. In his writing, Confession, he introduces himself as a sinner and a lowly countryman. Not only does this highlight his humble nature, but it also shows Christians the significance and holiness of living a simple life dedicated to God. St. Patrick's humility allowed him to convert thousands of people, while also teaching deep theological concepts and changing an entire nation’s values and religion.
St. Patrick loved the Irish people, and the Irish people loved him deeply. Speaking and being followed around Ireland didn’t change his heart to a prideful or powerful man, but rather it changed the hearts of his followers to become disciples of Christ. St. Patrick’s deep love for Christ and his faith, courage, and humility, pointed the Irish to Christianity and a deep love for God from an otherwise very pagan nation.
The popular prayer St. Patrick’s Breastplate is also a beautiful reminder of humility as it calls each and every one of us to a complete and deep reliance upon God. It calls to mind how small we truly are and how dependent we must be on the Lord. We cannot walk this journey alone, and we cannot bring others to Christ through ourselves: it all stems from the love of God within each one of us and His Holy Spirit working through us. St. Patrick is a perfect example of how a humble nature can allow God to work through us to bring others to Him.
Living out Humility this Lenten Season
On this beloved feast day, we are reminded of the need for humility not only in the Church, but in our world today. We are each called to be missionaries for Christ, and while that may not mean traveling across the country or continent to spread the Good News, there are countless ways we can evangelize in our own communities and places of work.
St. Patrick reminds us of the need for God in every aspect of our life. Embracing a humble character allows us to invite the Lord into our hearts so that we may spread His mission wherever we go. Active listening, deep personal prayer, accepting feedback, admitting mistakes, and serving others are all ways we can further grow in humility so we can love our neighbors and serve as missionary disciples in our businesses and homes.
This year, while you wear your festive green and celebrate with delicious food and drink, remember to allow this day to be a special opportunity to share your faith with those around you. Share the joy of Christ and His deep love for all, as well as the deep significance of the Lenten season and humility. This will not only serve God, but also honor St. Patrick: a humble servant of the Lord.
St. Patrick, pray for us!
Marisa McDonald is a wife and mother living in Central Indiana. She has previously worked for various nonprofit spaces in fundraising, development, and strategy and is actively involved on boards within her community. A creative homemaker, Marisa is making the most of each day cherishing loved ones.