Translated by Charles H. Wright
Fifth century C.E.
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was a British heathen-turned-missionary who spent his life “civilizing” or “Christianizing” the Irish. Though affiliated with the Roman church, Patrick was remarkably free of scholastic learning. As such, he represents a distinct wing of the church’s intellectual tradition. While the Western church was becoming other-worldly (and overbearing), Patrick and his Irish converts emphasized the worldly usefulness of faith.
This confession was reportedly spoken and written before Patrick’s death. It contains the summarized story of his life, replete with visions, miracles, and all sorts of things offensive to many modern and scientific minds. Even if we can provide more naturalistic descriptions to Patrick’s spiritualism (aren’t dreams merely a projection of our subconscious?), we must respect his action. To act, not to speak precisely, is the ultimate mark of a human being making the most of life. Patrick certainly acted. He converted an island to his perspective – and to Patrick, God’s perspective.
The Irish eventually paid an influential and oversized role in preserving ancient civilizations like that of Greece and Rome. Their monasteries preserved much of the writings that inform us of those traditions. While the continent was wasting away in ignorance, Patrick’s spiritual optimism allowed a mini-Renaissance to flourish in Ireland. For that, we all are grateful. Patrick seemed to march to the beat of his own drum. Fortunately, by the end of his life and by the time of this writing, more began to hear its rump-pa-pum-pum.