Shamrocks, Faith, and Eternal Life: Remembering St. Patrick
Shamrocks, leprechauns, and everything green—even the beer—often come to mind when people think of St. Patrick’s Day. Images of Chicago dyeing the Chicago River green, gatherings in Irish pubs, and meals of corned beef and cabbage (which I discovered during a visit to Ireland two years ago neither originated there nor are commonly eaten in Ireland) have become part of the celebration.
Over time, St. Patrick’s Day has become better known for its festivities than for honoring St. Patrick himself and the contributions he made to the Catholic faith. Yet St. Patrick’s life profoundly changed the hearts of the Irish people. Through his unwavering faith and missionary zeal, many came to believe and were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
About St. Patrick & His Contributions to the Faith
St. Patrick’s Life
Hardship and suffering marked much of St. Patrick’s life. As a young boy, he was taken captive and brought to Ireland, where he was enslaved. For six years he worked as a shepherd, treated as little more than the animals he tended. During that time, however, something profound began to change within him. He turned to prayer—praying many times each day—and through this devotion his faith deepened and transformed his life.
After eventually escaping and returning to his homeland of Gaul, Patrick began to pursue priesthood, and in time he was ordained a bishop. Yet the people of Ireland—those who had once held him captive—remained on his heart, and he heard them calling him to go back. Knowing the hardships that awaited him, and the risks faced by those who would come to faith, he returned anyway. For the next forty years he served the people of Ireland, and some estimates suggest that more than 100,000 people were converted through his ministry.
The Origin of The Shamrock
The shamrock—far more than the festive design often worn on March 17—was used by St. Patrick to help explain the mysterious reality of the Holy Trinity. How can God be three persons in one? In a similar way, how can a shamrock be one leaf with three distinct parts? This simple yet powerful image continues to help people grasp the three-in-one mystery at the heart of our Catholic faith.
St. Patrick & The Hope of Resurrection
At The Catholic Cemeteries, our mission is to bury the dead with dignity and honor, recognizing that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. What might St. Patrick have to teach us about dying, death, and the hope of the Resurrection?
In a letter to Coroticus and his soldiers, St. Patrick asked that his words be read aloud to everyone, including those who were being killed and enslaved. Coroticus, a prince who attacked Ireland, had murdered and enslaved many recent Christian converts. In the letter, St. Patrick speaks words of encouragement to those who suffered and even to those who had died, reminding them of the promise of eternal life with Christ:
“…you have left the world and have gone to Paradise as baptized faithful. I see you: you have begun to journey where night shall be no more, nor mourning, nor death… You, then, will reign with the apostles, and prophets, and martyrs.”
In The Confession, an open letter reflecting on his life and faith, St. Patrick thanks God and explains the calling that shaped his life. It is here that we learn the most about his journey. In this writing, he reaffirms his belief in the Resurrection and eternal life, saying that Jesus “was made man, and, having defeated death, was received into heaven by the Father.” He continues: “He has poured forth upon us abundantly the Holy Spirit, the gift and pledge of immortality, who makes those who believe and obey sons of God and joint heirs with Christ…”
When Patrick reflects on his trials and sufferings—both during his captivity and in solidarity with others who were enslaved—his faith in eternal life with Christ and in the resurrection of the body is unmistakable:
“And if ever I have done any good for my God whom I love, I beg him to grant me that I may shed my blood with those exiles and captives for His name, even though I should be denied a grave, or my body be woefully torn to pieces… I am firmly convinced that if this should happen to me, I would have gained my soul together with my body, because on that day without doubt we shall rise in the brightness of the sun, that is, in the glory of Christ Jesus our Redeemer, as sons of the living God and joint heirs with Christ, to be made conformable to His image; for of Him, and by Him, and in Him we shall reign.” –Saint Patrick, edited by Iain MacDonald, Floris Books, 1992.
Celebrating St. Patrick
With a deep faith rooted in baptism and lived out through tireless service to the people of Ireland, St. Patrick remains a powerful model of conversion and steadfast faith. So enjoy the celebrations—wear something green, listen to Irish music, and gather with friends. But also take a moment to remember and honor a saint whose faithful life continues to inspire us to deeper faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Taken from The Lorica (Patrick’s Breastplate):
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.