The early church

Patrick of Ireland

Fifth century · Britain and Ireland

Patrick (fifth century) was a Romano-British Christian who became the great missionary to Ireland. Captured by raiders as a teenager and enslaved in Ireland for six years, he escaped home, then returned by choice to bring the gospel to the very people who had held him captive. Much of the folklore around him is later legend, but his own two surviving letters are genuine and reveal a humble man consumed by love for the God who found him.

Life and context

Patrick was born in Roman Britain, the son of a deacon, and by his own account was not devout as a boy. Around the age of sixteen he was seized by Irish raiders and enslaved as a herdsman for about six years. In his loneliness he turned to God in constant prayer, then escaped and made his way home. Later, believing himself called in a vision, he returned to Ireland as a missionary bishop and spent his life evangelizing there during the fifth century. His traditional death is dated to 461, though the dates are uncertain.

What he wrote

Two genuine writings survive: his Confessio, a spiritual autobiography and defense of his mission, and his Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus, a fierce protest against the slaughter and enslavement of his Irish converts. They show a modest, self-doubting man who credits everything to God’s grace. The famous stories, using the shamrock to explain the Trinity and driving the snakes out of Ireland, are later legend, not history.

What his witness points us to

Patrick’s life is a startling picture of the gospel: a former slave returning in love to his captors’ land. He points to the Christ who taught his followers to love their enemies and who turns old wounds into a calling.

Frequently asked questions

Was Saint Patrick Irish?

No. Patrick was born in Roman Britain, not Ireland. He was captured by Irish raiders as a teenager and enslaved there, and later returned as a missionary, becoming the patron saint of the country of his captivity.

What did Patrick actually do?

Patrick spent the fifth century as a missionary bishop in Ireland, spreading Christianity. His own Confessio and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus survive and reveal a humble man devoted to God.

Did Patrick drive the snakes out of Ireland?

No. The story of driving out snakes, like the tale of using a shamrock to teach the Trinity, is later legend rather than history. Ireland had no snakes to begin with.