This week in Christian history: St. Patrick dies, Princeton rescinds prize for Tim Keller

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, March 17, 2024

Saint Patrick dies – March 17, 461

Saint Patrick, the fifth century missionary who converted much of Ireland to Christianity. | Wikimedia/Sicarr

This week marks the anniversary of what is generally believed to be the day that Saint Patrick, the Church leader known for converting the Irish to Christianity, died.

A native of Great Britain who, as a child, was enslaved for six years, Patrick was ordained a bishop in 432 and eventually sent to Ireland by Pope Celestine I to evangelize the population.

“Upon his arrival in Ireland, Patrick was initially met with resistance but managed to spread Christian teachings far and wide, along with other missionaries, through preaching, writing, and performing countless baptisms,” according to Biography.com.

“Many legends have been associated with his life, including that he drove away all the snakes from Ireland and that he introduced the Holy Trinity through the three-leaved shamrock.”

Patrick was never formally canonized as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church; however, he is widely regarded as the patron saint of Ireland and his feast day, St. Patrick’s Day, is widely celebrated in religious and secular ways.