Catholics revere and pray to saints. They were made perfect in heaven by their beliefs and sacrifices on earth. In this light, St. Patrick’s Guild features a saint each month. Rightly so, the month of March is dedicated to St. Patrick - who also happens to be our company namesake. And for good reasons! Read on for more about one of the most well-known and revered saints.

St. Patrick lived in the 5th century and was born in Scotland to Roman parents who were minding the colonies in Britain. He was captured as a young teenager and taken to Ireland where he was trained to herd sheep. He learned the language and practices of the area, which were Druid (philosopher/magician) and pagan. During his time of captivity, Patrick turned to God is a very significant way, with constant prayer and reflection. He eventually escaped and returned to his family, but he continued to feel that he was called back to the Irish people.

While back home, he studied under the Bishop St. Germanus and Patrick himself later became a Bishop and took the gospel back to Ireland. There, he converted many pagans - some say thousands. He also took it upon himself to organize the building of many churches throughout the country. Even kings and their families were converted by Patrick. His following grew and many of his most faithful later became canonized saints themselves. He traveled throughout the country humbly (many would say in near poverty) for four decades until his death in 461.

Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland. Therefore, that symbol continues its associated with both the saint and the country. He is the patron saint of Ireland, Nigeria, and engineers. St. Patrick’s feast day is March 17 (no surprise!), so when you celebrate on this day, think of the strength of Patrick’s beliefs and how they were used to positively influence others.

The following prayer is used to invoke Patrick:

As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.
May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.
May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Amen.