“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints” (Romans 1:7)

St Patrick’s Day falls on 17th March, allegedly the date of Patrick’s burial. Across Ireland and throughout the world it becomes the occasion for celebrating all things Irish.

Patrick’s position as Patron Saint is most interesting. The concept of a Patron interceding for a nation is a pagan, not a Christian construct. This was a Christianisation of the old Roman system of deities. Patrick and his successors wouid not have recognised such folly. Christ is the only mediator between God and man.

According to Roman Catholic teaching the Pope must make someone a saint. There is no record, however, of Patrick’s commissioning by the Pope nor did he place any credence in such commissioning in his personal writings. The development of Papal authority was not yet developed into what it would become.

Patrick belonged the rich Irish scholar-saint tradition. The saints were the spiritual leaders who preached, taught and wrote. They were the men of the Book.

The New Testament simply records that all the Christians are saints; a precious truth rediscovered during the Protestant Reformation more than a millennium after Patrick.

Patrick is Saint, not because he is a patron or appointed by the Pope. God by His grace made Patrick a saint.

“Saints, apostles, and prophets, 
all Hath published with one accord, 
This deliv'rance ance from the fall— 
This life in the risen Lord.” (Anon)