I’m posting a day early this week, in honour of Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s a national holiday here in Ireland, and rightfully so. I’ve collected this selection of links to help you understand and celebrate the man who brought good news to Ireland.
Patrick’s story, in his own words
Most of what we know for sure about Patrick comes from his own account of his life, which he called his “confessions”. It’s not a long read, and it’s fascinating. You can find it posted on patrickstory.ie, along with other great content about the message and legacy of Patrick and what it can mean for you today.
Prayer of Saint Patrick
This song by Irish band Rend Collective is based on a prayer that Patrick himself wrote, known as Saint Patrick’s Breastplate. This is not the full song, but you can find it wherever you listen to music.
Two book recommendations
Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact by Michael Haykin
This is a short book, and it’s an easy read. Haykin (who is half Irish himself) is one of the foremost church historians alive today, and he writes about Patrick in an engaging, inspiring way.
The Rise and Fall of Christian Ireland by Crawford Gribben
Gribben traces the history of Christianity on his own native island all the way from Patrick to the modern era. If you want to understand Ireland better, this is a great book to help you.
The Book of Kells
The message Patrick brought to Ireland reshaped the culture to the extent that Ireland became known as “the land of saints and scholars”. One of the treasures that still exists from that period is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels. Here is a gallery of pictures, highlighting the meaning of some of its exquisite details.
Planxty MacClancy
This tune doesn’t have anything particularly to do with Saint Patrick himself, but it’s played by three Irish harpists and it’s beautifully done.
Patrick Loved Ireland First
Finally, a throwback to one of my own posts, highlighting how Patrick loved Ireland before Ireland loved Patrick
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
sethlewis.ie 