St. Patrick (4)
Saint Patrick was a man of great resolution and undaunted courage, with much tact and good sense.
No danger could turn him aside from his purpose: and there was plenty of danger to face during his long career in Ireland.
He had great strength of character; so that—with God lending a helping hand—he bore down opposition by his own overpowering personality.
From the time of his captivity down to his latest breath he had an intense love for the people of Ireland.
There are many old narratives of his life, some historical, some mixed up with legend; and in all, whether historical or legendary, these features of his character constantly come to the front.[6]
St. Patrick adopted, from the very beginning, a bold and courageous plan of preaching the Gospel in Ireland:—He always made straight for the palaces and other great houses, and began by attempting to convert the kings and chiefs.
He was well aware of the veneration of the clansmen for their ruling families; and he knew that once the king had become a Christian the people would soon follow.
He had experienced the success of this plan in Saul; and now he came to the bold resolution to go to Tara and present himself before the supreme king of Ireland—Laeghaire [Laery]—and his court.
This was a very dangerous undertaking, as he well knew; for Tara was the chief seat, not only of the monarchy, but also of the paganism and druidism of all Ireland; and Laeghaire had the reputation of being a fierce and obdurate king, who would tolerate no interference with his authority.
Yet Patrick never hesitated. Bidding farewell to his friend Dicho, he sailed southward to the mouth of the Boyne; whence he set out on foot for Tara with his companions.
Soon after leaving the boat, night fell on them; and they were hospitably entertained at the house of a chief, whom the saint converted, with his whole family.
One of the children, a youth to whom Patrick gave the name of Benen or Benignus from his gentle disposition, became so attached to him that he insisted on going along with him next morning.
Thenceforward Benen was Patrick’s constant companion and beloved disciple; and after the death of his master he succeeded him as Archbishop of Armagh.
Notes
[6] The beautiful legendary account of Patrick’s interview with the angel on Croagh Patrick (the “Reek”), given in the Tripartite Life of the saint, brings out in strong relief his strength of will and his love for the Irish people: and it may be added—his belief in the efficacy of persistent prayer.
After his sufferings from the demons on the mountain (p. 9 above), when the angel came and comforted him, Patrick reminded him of all he had endured, and said that—as compensation—he had a number of blessings to ask for—all to benefit the Irish people—and he told the angel plainly: “Unless all these are granted to me, I will never leave the Reek, but will remain here till I die.”
The angel told him that in consideration of his great sufferings, God was disposed to grant his requests, so far as they were within reason. Then followed request after request, blessing after blessing, for the Irish people: and on each occasion when Patrick had put forward his claim, the angel’s answer came:—“That request is granted: now get thee away from the mountain,” on which followed the saint’s reply:—“No, I will not go from the mountain yet: I want another blessing for my people.”
And so the angel went on yielding point after point, till at last he gave him a plain reminder that he was excessive and altogether too obstinate. But the saint did not mind that a bit: he went on pressing his demands; each as usual followed by: “That is granted thee; now get thee gone from the mountain.”—“No, I will not go yet, I want another thing.”
Once the angel proposed to grant him a certain blessing for his people. “No, I will not take it”—replied the saint: “it is no great compliment: any of our saints could get that or as good for the asking; I want more.”
His last request was, that on the day of judgment;—“Let myself be the judge over the people of Ireland on that day.”
This appeared to the angel such an astounding demand that he refused point blank to grant it without authority. He flew up to heaven to consult; and during his absence Patrick went and celebrated Mass, to strengthen his case, no doubt, for he felt that he had gone pretty far.
When the angel returned he told Patrick that it was with the greatest difficulty, and only after the Twelve Apostles and many other saints had interceded, that the request was granted.
“And now at last strike thy bell and get thee gone from the mountain.”
“Blessed be the All bountiful King”—cried Patrick in his joy—“Praise be to my Loid who has given me all these great blessings for my people. Now I am satisfied, and I will depart from the mountain.” (Tripartite Life of St. Patrick, pp. 113—121. See also the Most Rev. Dr. Healy’s Life of St. Patrick, pp. 229-233).
Although this is all popular legend, nothing could present a truer or a more vivid picture of the character of our great Apostle. With stories like this, and with much of the true history of the saint, told among our people for centuries, can we wonder at the intense love and veneration they have for St. Patrick?