Thought for the Week with Canon Michael Storey
What is the first thing that comes to mind, when thinking about St Patrick, I wonder?
Perhaps Ireland, shamrock, 'green'?
His story is a good one, which is particularly remembered on the day he died in AD461: March 17.
He was born in about AD390 – certainly in England, perhaps near Carlisle.
At the age of 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave.
Six years later he escaped, went to France, trained to be a priest, much influenced by St Martin of Tours.
In his early 40s he came to Ireland as a bishop, walking round the country, drawing people to follow Jesus – a tough time in those heathen days in Ireland.
A chief teaching symbol was a shamrock – to represent God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The shamrock is the main symbol for Ireland today.
He is remembered for his strength of faith, facing hostility in those distant days of indifference and hostility.
Pray God that Christians facing indifference and hostility today have his strength and purpose.