Dear Brother Knights and Families:
As we continue our journey through this Lenten season, we remember the life and times of St. Patrick of Ireland. St. Patrick was born in approximately 387 in Roman Britain (Britannia). His father was a Roman government official and a deacon in the early Church (by the year 313, Christianity had been recognized by the Roman government.) However, by his own account young Patrick was not active in his faith nor an active believer. At age 16 he was captured by Irish pirates and enslaved and performed laborious activities for them. According to his memoir, The Confession (written around 450), the time he spent in captivity was critical to his spiritual development. He explained that the Lord had mercy on his youth and ignorance, and afforded him the opportunity to be forgiven of his sins and converted to Christianity. While in captivity, St. Patrick worked as a shepherd and strengthened his relationship with God through prayer eventually leading him to convert to Christianity. After a harrowing experience, he made his escape and returned home. He continued his studies in Christianity in Europe and in approximately 431, Pope St. Celestine I consecrated St. Patrick Bishop of the Irish, and sent him to Ireland to spread the gospel to nonbelievers while also providing support to the small community of Christians already living there. St. Patrick was credited with ordaining priests to lead the new Christian communities, convert wealthy women, some of whom became nuns in the face of their families’ opposition. He also dealt with and converted the sons of kings. St. Patrick died on March 17, 461 (the date on which we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day). Apparently, in Christianity’s early years, canonizations were done on the diocesan level. Thus, as was a practice, soon after the death of one considered very holy, the local Church affirmed that they could be liturgically celebrated as saints. As a result, St. Patrick was never formally canonized by a Pope. Despite this canonic technicality, various churches have declared him a saint in heaven and is still venerated in Ireland and elsewhere around the globe.
What we learn from St. Patrick is that in the face of terrible adversity and leading a life of sin, there is redemption. It starts with accepting Christ in our own life by turning away from sin. During this Lenten season we are encouraged and inspired by St. Patrick’s story.
On another interesting and most ironic historical note, Emperor Tiberius Claudius Nero (14 AD – 37 AD), who was the sitting emperor during the time of Christ’s crucifixion, died on approximately March 16, 37 (one calendar day before the death of St. Patrick 424 years later). Tiberius’s death occurred during a season that would later become known as Lent. It is no secret that the lives of many Roman Emperors were plagued with scandal, corruption, and turmoil. It has been rumored through scholarly debate that Tiberius was murdered by being smothered to death on orders from Caligula (the only surviving heir to the emperor’s throne.)
By contrast, we celebrate the inspiring life of St. Patrick who leaves us with a lasting positive mark on humanity. Come and celebrate St. Patrick’s day with us at Newman Center, on March 12, 2016. See our Council’s calendar for more details.
Vivat Jesus!
Lewis Muñoz
Grand Knight, Council 953