Who was Saint Patrick & Why Should We Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?
Who was Saint Patrick & Why Should We Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? [3 RESOURCES FOR ALL AGES]
Do you want to discover the truth about Saint Patrick? Of course you do! That's why you're here.
Whether you're impulse-researching or searching for resources to help lead others in discovering this historic Christian figure, we've done the legwork for you!
And because we're talking Saint Patrick and Ireland and shamrocks, we've got exactly three ☘️☘️☘️ excellent resources served up hot (like so much Corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness) for you below.
Whether you're impulse-researching or searching for resources to help lead others in discovering this historic Christian figure, we've done the legwork for you!
And because we're talking Saint Patrick and Ireland and shamrocks, we've got exactly three ☘️☘️☘️ excellent resources served up hot (like so much Corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness) for you below.
A Quick Note on Sainthood...
If you are in Christ, you are by definition a saint. There, I said it.
Are you a born-again follower of Jesus—consecrated to God and called to a set-apart life of holiness—and didn't know you are a saint? If so, CONGRATULATIONS! You've been sainted. Jump into your Bible at any of these verses to better understand how the Greek hagios (translated to saint) is actually used in scripture.
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:2).
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons (Philippians 1:1).
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father (Colossians 1:2).
“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them" (Acts 26:9-10).
Are you a born-again follower of Jesus—consecrated to God and called to a set-apart life of holiness—and didn't know you are a saint? If so, CONGRATULATIONS! You've been sainted. Jump into your Bible at any of these verses to better understand how the Greek hagios (translated to saint) is actually used in scripture.
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:2).
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons (Philippians 1:1).
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father (Colossians 1:2).
“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them" (Acts 26:9-10).
Three Resources to Help You Discover the Truth of the Man We Know as Saint Patrick
1) WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT SAINT PATRICK? The real St Patrick | St Patrick documentary | (Produced by History Calling)
At just over 12 minutes long, this is a great video to get you started. I appreciate the focus on identifying the (relatively few) sources of information available.
Where was Patrick born? Was Patrick even his name? And what's his deal with snakes? FInd out.
Where was Patrick born? Was Patrick even his name? And what's his deal with snakes? FInd out.
2) Patrick's Lorica (Breastplate) Prayer
There is some incredible lore built up around this prayer. You can discover that in the other resources here and elsewhere. I encourage you to read this for yourself—out loud. You'll be stepping into the prayer life of a 5th century hero of the Christian faith.
I arise today...
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today...
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today...
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through...
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
I summon today...
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today...
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today...
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today...
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through...
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
I summon today...
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today...
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
3) Patrick of Ireland — Christian Biographies for Young Readers
This is one excellent resource with two options for accessing. I'm listing it last only because these aren't free. Perfect for reading to kids or putting on for a car ride. PRO TIP: hand out paper, crayons, and snacks to create a peaceful (and creative!) learning environment for littles.
Hardcover copies from Reformed Heritage Press HERE.
Audiobook available through Canon+ (Canon Press) HERE.
Hardcover copies from Reformed Heritage Press HERE.
Audiobook available through Canon+ (Canon Press) HERE.
Ready for a deeper dive?
Access Saint Patrick's Cofessio and other source texts HERE.