Getting to Know Our Patron Saint...

A St. Patrick Biography

          Saint Patrick is best known as the patron saint of Ireland. He was born along the west coast of Roman Britain, probably in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387, though the exact village of his birth is unclear. In his own writings, it is identified as “vico banavem tambourine,” a location that is now unknown. He was born to a family of high Roman rank, in that his mother, Conchessa, was a member of the family who held the office of decurio in Gaul or Britain. They were closely related to the great patron of Gaul, St Martin of Tours. His father, Calpornius, was a deacon, a civil official, as well as a town councillor. We can, however, assume that the family had ties to Kilpatrick, as the town still retains many memorials to Saint Patrick, which attract visitors, religious and otherwise, every year. At these sights, many are said to have experienced miracles.

          When he was sixteen, Patrick was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland, bought by a chieftain named Milchu, who resided near the present county of Antrium. For six years, Patrick’s duty was to tend the flocks of Milchu. In his “Confessio,” he says that during his time of captivity, he often found himself praying, though he was not particularly religion before his capture, despite his being from a Christian family. His capture, nonetheless, served to strengthen his faith. Ultimately, he would pray many times during the day. The love of God, Patrick added, and His fear increased in me more and more, and the faith grew in me, and the spirit was roused, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers, and in the night nearly the same, so that whilst in the woods and on the mountain, even before the dawn, I was roused to prayer and felt no hurt from it, whether there was snow or ice or rain; nor was there any slothfulness in me, such as I see now, because the spirit was then fervent within me.

          In many ways, his six years as a slave prepared him for his life to come, increasing his relationship and faith in God. While enslaved in Ireland, he learned to speak the Celtic language that he would one day use to address the Irish people. Because his master, Milchu, was a druidical high priest, Patrick familiarized himself with Druidism, from whose bondage he was destined to liberate the Irish people.

          After six years of captivity, an angel of God appeared to Patrick, and chastised him. As a result, he fled from slavery, moving to the west. He related in his “Confessio” that he travelled some 200 miles, probably toward Killala Bay moving on the way to Westport. Once there, he was given passage aboard a ship. Within days, he was back in Britain with his friends and family. His time in captivity, though, had changed him. He was now adamant that his life should be spent in service to God. Thereafter, he moved around. History tells of his mission was to be where there was need, but also where he might grow in his Christian life. He found sanctuary at Lerins, an island refuge that was becoming well-known for learning and piety. Eventually, Patrick put himself under the guidance of St. Germain, who was the Bishop of Auxerre. St. Germain is credited with prompting Patrick to enter the priesthood. It is the tradition in the territory of the Morini that Patrick, under St. Germain's guidance, was engaged in missionary work among them. When Germain was asked by the Roman Church to combat the teachings of Pelagius in Britain, he chose Patrick to come along. Patrick was then seen as a representative of the church in the triumphs over false teachings and paganism, as well as in other notable events of the expeditions, such as the miraculous calming of the tempest at sea, the visit to the relics at St. Alban’s shrine, and the Alleluia victory. Despite all the accomplishments of the mssion, Patrick’s thought continuously turned to Ireland. He was given to visions of the children of Ireland, who cried to him: Oh, Holy youth, come back to Erin, and walk amongst us.

          Pope St. Celestine I crowned his pontificate by an act of the most far-reaching consequences for the spread of the Christian church, when he entrusted St. Patrick with the mission of gathering the Irish race into the one fold of Christ. Palladius had already received that commission, but terrified by the fierce opposition of a Wicklow chieftain, had abandoned the sacred endeavor. It was St. Germain, Bishop of Auxerre, who recommended Patrick to the pope. The writer of St. Germain's Life in the ninth century, Heric of Auxerre, thus attests this important fact: Since the glory of the father shines in the training of the children, of the many sons in Christ whom St. Germain is believed to have had as disciples in religion, let it suffice to make mention here, very briefly, of one most famous, Patrick, the special Apostle of the Irish nation, as the record of his work proves. Subject to that most holy discipleship for 18 years, he drank in no little knowledge in Holy Scripture from the stream of so great a well-spring. Germain sent him, accompanied by Segetius, his priest, to Celestine, Pope of Rome, approved of by whose judgement, supported by whose authority, and strengthened by whose blessing, he went on his way to Ireland.

          When returning from Rome, Patrick received at Ivrea the news of the death of Palladius, and turning aside to the neighboring city of Turin, received consecration at the hands of its bishop, and then went on to Auxerre for the guidance of St. Germain in preparations for the Irish mission.

          It was probably in the summer months of the year 433, that Patrick and his companions landed at the mouth of the Vantry River close by Wicklow Head. The Druids were at once in arms against him. But Patrick was not disheartened. The resolute missionary set on to search out a more friendly territory in which to enter on his mission. First of all, however, he would proceed towards Dalriada, where he had been a slave, to pay the price of ransom to his former master, and in exchange for the servitude and cruelty endured at his hands to impart to him the blessings and freedom of the children of God. He rested for some days at the islands off the Skerries coast, one of which still retains the name of Inis-Patrick, and he probably visited the adjoining mainland, which in olden times was known as Holm Patrick. Tradition fondly points out the impression of St. Patrick's foot upon the hard rock -- off the main shore, at the entrance to Skerries harbour. Continuing his course northwards he halted at the mouth of the River Boyne. A number of the natives there gathered around him and heard with joy in their own sweet tongue the glad tidings of Redemption. There too he performed his first known miracle on Irish soil to validate the honor due to the Blessed Virgin, and the Divine birth of Christ. Leaving one of his companions to continue the work of instruction so auspiciously begun, he hastened forward to Strangford Loughand. Once there he abandoned his boat and continued his journey over land towards Slemish. He had not proceeded far when a chieftain, named Dichu, appeared on the scene to prevent his further advance. He drew his sword to smite the saint, but his arm became rigid as a statue and continued so until he declared himself obedient to Patrick. Overcome by the saint's meekness and miracles, Dichu asked for instruction and made a gift of a large Sabhall, or barn, in which the sacred mysteries were offered up. This was the first sanctuary dedicated by St. Patrick in Erin. It became in later years a chosen retreat of the saint. A monastery and church were erected there, and the hallowed site retains the name Sabhall (pronounced Saul) to the present day. Continuing his journey towards Slemish, the saint was struck with horror on seeing at a distance the fort of his old master enveloped in flames. The fame of Patrick's miracles preceeded him. Milchu, in a fit of frenzy, gathered his treasures into his mansion and setting it on fire, cast himself into the flames. An ancient record adds: "His pride could not endure the thought of being vanquished by his former slave."

          Returning to Saul, St. Patrick learned from Dichu that the chieftains of Erin had been summoned by Leoghaire, the Ard-Righ, the Supreme Monarch of Ireland, to celebrate a special feast at Tara. This was an opportunity which Patrick would not forego. There he would present himself before the assembly, to strike a decisive blow against the Druidism that held the nation captive, and to secure freedom for the glad tidings of Redemption of which he was the herald. As he journeyed on, he rested for some days at the house of a chieftain named Secsnen, who, alongside his household, joyfully embraced the Faith. The youthful Benen, or Benignus, son of the chief, was in a special way captivated by the Gospel doctrines and the meekness of Patrick. Whilst the saint slept, Benen would gather sweet-scented flowers and scatter them over his bosom, and when Patrick was setting out, continuing his journey towards Tara, Benen clung to his feet, declaring that nothing would sever him from him. "Allow him to have his way", said St. Patrick to the chieftain, "he shall be heir to my sacred mission." Thenceforth, Benen was the inseparable companion of the saint, and the prophecy was fulfilled, for Benen is named among the successors of St. Patrick in Armagh. It was on Easter Sunday in 433, that the eventful assembly was to meet at Tara. A decree was made that the fires throughout the kingdom should be extinguished until a signal blaze was ignited by the royal household. The chiefs and Brehons came in full numbers, and the druids, too, would muster all their strength to bid defiance to the herald of good tidings, and to secure the hold of superstition on the Celtic race, for their soothsayers had announced that the messenger of Christ had come to Erin.

          On Easter’s Eve, St. Patrick arrived at the opposite boundary of the Tara, and on the summit of the hill kindled the Paschal fire in celebration of Easter. The druids at once raised their voice: O King, live for ever; this fire, which has been lighted in defiance of the royal edict, will blaze for ever in this land unless it be this very night extinguished. By order of the Irish king, repeated efforts were made to extinguish the fire, as well as to punish with death the intruder who had disobeyed the royal command. But the fire was not extinguished, and Patrick, shielded by the divine, came unscathed from their snares and assaults. On Easter, the missionaries, having at their head the Benen, holding a copy of the Gospels, and followed by St. Patrick, arrayed in full episcopal attire, proceeded in processional order to Tara. The druids and magicians put forth all their strength and employed all their incantations to maintain their sway over the Irish race, but the prayer and faith of Patrick achieved a glorious triumph. The druids, by their incantations, overspread the hill and surrounding plain with a cloud, said worse than Egyptian darkness. Patrick challenged them to remove the cloud, and when all their efforts were made in vain, at his prayer the sun appeared and lit up the scene. Again by demonic power, the Arch-Druid Lochru, like Simon Magus of old, was lifted up high in the air, but when Patrick knelt in prayer, the druid was hurled to pieces against a rock. Thus was the final blow to paganism in the presence of all the assembled chieftains. It was, indeed, a momentous day for the Irish race. Twice, Patrick pleaded for the faith before Leoghaire. The king, though, had given orders that no sign of respect was to be extended to the strangers, but at the first meeting the youthful Erc, a royal page, arose to show Patrick reverence. At the second, when all the chieftains were assembled, the chief-bard, Dubhtach, showed the same honor to the saint. Both these heroic men became fervent disciples of Christianity. It was on this second occasion that St. Patrick is said to have plucked a shamrock from the sward, to explain, by its triple-leaf and single stem, the Holy Trinity. The triumph of religion at Tara was complete. The Ard-Righ granted permission to Patrick to preach Christianity throughout Erin, and the druidical prophecy would be fulfilled: the sacred fire now kindled by the saint would never be extinguished.

          St. Patrick remained during Easter week at Slane and Tara, teaching to those around him the lessons of divine truth. Meanwhile, the national games were being celebrated at Tailten (now Telltown) in connection with the royal feast. St. Patrick administered baptism to Conall, the brother of the Ard-Righ, Leoghaire, on Wednesday of that week. It was the first public administering of baptism, recognized by royal edict. This first Christian royal chieftain made a gift to Patrick, a site for a church which to the present day retains the name of Donagh-Patrick.

          St. Patrick left some of his companions to carry on the work of evangelization in Meath. He would visit the other territories, too. Some of the chieftains who had come to Tara were from Focluth in Connaught, and as it was the children of Focluth who in visions had summoned him to return to Ireland, he resolved to accompany those chieftains on their return. The district of Focluth would be among the first to receive the glad tidings of Redemption. It is evidence of the difficulties that St. Patrick had to overcome. Though operating with full liberty to preach throughout Erin was granted by the monarch, in order to procure a safe passage through the intervening territories on his way to Connaught, he had to pay the price of fifteen slaves. On his way, while passing through Granard, he learned that at Magh-Slecht, an assembly was engaged in worship to the chief idol Crom-Cruach. Patrick made his way there, and when his staff struck the chief idol, it crumbled to dust. At Killala, he found the people of the territory assembled. At his preaching, the king, his six sons, and 12,000 others, became Christians. He spent seven years visiting every district of Connaught, organizing parishes, forming dioceses, and instructing the chieftains and their people. On the occasion of his first visit to Rathcrogan, the royal seat of the kings of Connaught, a remarkable incident occurred, recorded in many of the authentic narratives of the saint's life. Close by the clear fountain of Clebach, not far from the royal abode, Patrick and his venerable companions had pitched their tents, and at early dawn were chanting the praises of God, when the two daughters of the Irish monarch -- Ethne, the fair, and Fedelm, the ruddy -- came to them, wanting to bathe in the fountain. Astonished at the vision that presented itself to them, the royal maidens cried out: "Who are ye, and whence do ye come? Are ye phantoms, or fairies, or friendly mortals?" St. Patrick said to them, "It were better you would adore and worship the one true God, whom we announce to you, than that you would satisfy your curiosity by such vain questions." And then Ethne began to ask questions: "Who is God?,” she asked. "And where is God? Where is His dwelling? Has He sons and daughters? Is He rich in silver and gold? Is He everlasting? Is He beautiful? Are His daughters dear and lovely to the men of this world? Is He on the heavens or on earth? In the sea, in rivers, in mountains, in valleys? Make Him known to us. How is He to be seen? How is He to be loved? How is He to be found? Is it in youth or is it in old age that He may be found?"

          But St. Patrick, filled with the Holy Spirit, made answer: God, whom we announce to you, is the Ruler of all things. The God of heaven and earth, of the sea and the rivers. The God of the sun, and the moon, and all the stars. The God of the high mountains and of the lowlying valleys. The God who is above heaven, and in heaven, and under heaven. His dwelling is in heaven and earth, and the sea, and all therein. He gives breath to all. He gives life to all. He is over all. He upholds all. He gives light to the sun. He imparts splendour to the moon. He has made wells in the dry land, and islands in the ocean. He has appointed the stars to serve the greater lights. His Son is co-eternal and co-equal with Himself. The Son is not younger than the Father. And the Father is not older than the Son. And the Holy Ghost proceeds from them. The Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are undivided. But I desire by Faith to unite you to the Heavenly King, as you are daughters of an earthly king."

          The princesses, as if with one voice and one heart, said: "Teach us most carefully how we may believe in the Heavenly King; show us how we may behold Him face to face, and we will do whatsoever you shall say to us."

And when he had instructed them, he said to them: "Do you believe that by baptism you put off the sin inherited from the first parents."

They answered: "We believe."

"Do you believe in penance after sin? he asked"

"We believe," they replied.

"Do you believe in life after death? Do you believe in resurrection on the Day of Judgement?"

"We believe."

"Do you believe in the unity of the Church?"

"We believe."

          Then they were baptized, and were clothed in white garments. And they begged to behold the face of Christ. And the saint said to them: "You cannot see the face of Christ, not unless you taste death, and unless you receive the sacrament."

          They answered: "Give us the sacrifice, so that we may be able to behold our Spouse." And the ancient narrative adds: that when they received the Holy Eucharist, they slept in death, and they were placed upon a couch, arrayed in their white baptismal robes.

          In 440, St. Patrick desired to convert the city of Ulster. There was cause for confidence, for the previous year had shown a spread of the faith throughout the province. In 444, a site for a church was granted at Armagh, a gift from the chieftain of the district. It was in a valley at the foot of a hill, but the saint was not content. He had special designs in his heart for that district, and the chieftain told him to select any site he would deem suitable for his religious purpose. St. Patrick chose that beautiful hill on which the old cathedral of Armagh stands. As he was marking out the church with his companions, they came upon a doe and fawn, and the saint's companions wanted kill them for food, but St. Patrick would not allow it. Taking the fawn upon his shoulders, and followed by the doe, he proceeded to a neighbouring hill, and laid down the fawn, and announced that there, in future times, great glory would be given to God. It was precisely upon that hill that, a few years ago, there was solemnly dedicated the cathedral of Armagh. A representative of the pope presided on the occasion, and hundreds of priests and bishops were gathered there. Indeed, it might be said, the whole Irish race on that occasion offered the cathedral to God, as tribute to their united faith and piety.

          From Ulster, St. Patrick probably proceeded to Meath and then through Leinster. Two of the saint's most distinguished companions, Auxilius and Iserninus, had the rich valley of the Liffey assigned to them. The former's name is still retained in the church he founded at Killossy, while the latter is honored as the first Bishop of Kilcullen. As usual, St. Patrick's primary care was to gather the ruling chieftains into the fold. At Naas, the royal residence in those days, he baptised two sons of the King of Leinster. Memorials of the saint still abound in the district -- the ruins of the ancient church which he founded, his holy well, and the hallowed sites in which the power of God was shown through miracles. At Sletty, Fiaac, son of the chief, was installed as bishop, and, for a considerable time, the region continued to be the chief center of religion for all Leinster. St. Patrick proceeded through Gowran into Ossory, where he erected a church under the invocation of St. Martin, near the present city of Kilkenny, enriching it with many precious relics which he had brought from Rome. It was in Leinster, on the borders of the present counties of Kildare and Queen's, that Odhran, St. Patrick's charioteer, attained the martyr's crown. The chieftain of that district honored the demon-idol, Crom Cruach, with special worship, and, on hearing of that idol being cast down, vowed to avenge the insult by the death of St. Patrick. Passing through the territory, Odhran overheard the plot that was being organized for the murder of St. Patrick, and as they were setting out in the chariot to continue their journey, asked the saint, as a favor, to take the reins, and to allow himself, for the day, to hold the place of honor and rest. This was granted, and scarcely had they set out when a well-directed thrust of a lance pierced the heart of the devoted charioteer, who thus, by changing places, saved St. Patrick's life, and won for himself the martyr's crown.

          St. Patrick next proceeded to Munster. As usual, his efforts were directed to combat heresy and paganism in the chief centers of authority, knowing well that the kings and chieftains would soon be followed by their subjects. At "Cashel of the Kings," he was received with great enthusiasm,. The chiefs and Brehons and all the people welcoming him with joyous acclaim. While engaged in the baptism of the royal prince Aengus, son of the King of Munster, the saint, leaning on his staff, peirced with its sharp point the prince's foot. Aengus bore the pain unmoved. When St. Patrick, at the close of the ceremony, saw the blood flow, and asked him why he had been silent, he replied, with genuine heroism, that he thought it might be part of the ceremony, a penalty for the joyous blessings of the Faith that were imparted. The saint admired his heroism, and, taking the chieftain's shield, inscribed on it a cross with the same point of the staff, and promised that that shield would be the signal of countless spiritual and temporal triumphs. St. Patrick spent a considerable time in the present County of Limerick. The fame of his miracles and sanctity had again preceded him, and the inhabitants of Thomond and northern Munster hastened to receive his instruction. When giving his blessing to them, he is said to have prophesied the coming of St. Senanus: "To the green island in the West, at the mouth of the sea, the lamp of the people of God will come; he will be the head of counsel to all this territory." At Sangril (now Singland), in Limerick, and also in the district of Gerryowen, the holy wells of the saint are pointed out, and the slab of rock, which served for his bed, and the altar on which every day he offered up the Holy Eucharist. On the banks of the Suit, and the Blackwater, and the Lee, wherever the saint preached during his seven years in Munster, a hearty welcome awaited him. The ancient Life attests: "After Patrick had founded cells and churches in Munster, and had ordained persons of every grade, and healed the sick, and resuscitated the dead, he bade them farewell, and imparted his blessing to them." The words of this blessing, which is said to have been given from the hills of Tipperary are particularly beautiful:

          Until his death, St. Patrick continued to visit and watch over the churches which he had founded in all the provinces in Ireland. He comforted the faithful in their difficulties, strengthened them in their faith and in the practice of virtue, and appointed pastors to continue his work among them. It is recorded that in his life, he consecrated no fewer than 350 bishops. He appointed St. Loman to Trim, which rivalled Armaugh in its abundant harvest of piety. St. Guasach, son of his former master, Milchu, became Bishop of Granard, while the two daughters of the same pagan chieftan founded close by a convent, and merited the aureola of sanctity. St. Mel, St. Patrick‘s nephew, had the charge of Ardagh; St. MacCarthem, who appears to have been patricularly loved by St. Patrick, was made Bishop of Clogher. The narrative in the ancient life of the saint serves to illustrate his manner of dealing with the chieftains. He found, it says, the chief, Ernasc, and his son, Loarn, sitting under a tree, "with whom he remained, together with his twelve companions, for a week, and they received from him the doctrine of salvation with attentive ear and mind. Meanwhile, he instructed Loarn in the fundamentals of learning and piety." A church was erected there, and, ultimately, Loarn was appointed to its charge.

          The manifold virtues by which the early saints were distinguished show in the life of St. Patrick. When not engaged in the work of the ministry, his whole time was spent in prayer. Many times in the day he armed himself with the sign of the cross. He never relaxed his penitential exercises. Clothed in a rough fabric, he made the hard rock his bed. Countless converts of high rank would cast their most precious possessions at his feet, but all were restored to them. He had not come to Erin in search of material wealth, but to enrich her with the priceless treasures of Christian faith. From time to time, he withdrew from the spiritual duties of his apostolate to devote himself wholly to prayer and penance. One of his chosen places of solitude and retreat was the island of Lough Derg, which, to our own day, has continued to be a favourite resort of pilgrims, and it is known as “St. Patrick‘s Purgatory.”

          Another theater of his saintliness, in the west of Ireland, merits particular attention. In the far west of Connaught, there is a range of tall mountains, which, arrayed in rugged majesty, bid defiance to the waves and storms of the Atlantic. At the head of this range, facing Crew Bay, arises a stately cone in solitary grandeur, about 4000 feet in height, and casting its shadow over the adjoining districts of Aghagower and Westport. This mountain was known in pagan times as the Eagle Mountain, but ever since Ireland was enlightened with the light of Christianity, it is known as Croagh Patrick (St. Patrick's Mountain), and is honored as the Mount Sinai of Ireland. St. Patrick made this mountain his hallowed place of retreat. In imitation of the great Jewish legislator on Sinai, he spent forty days on its summit in fasting, prayer, and other penetential exercises. His only shelter from the fury of the elements--the wind and rain, the hail and snow--was a cave. The whole purpose of his prayer was to obtain special blessings and mercy for the Irish race, whom he evangelized. The demons that made Ireland their battlefield mustered all their strength to tempt the saint and disturb him in his solitude and from his pious purpose. They gathered around the hill in the form of vast flocks of hideous birds of prey [some legends say snakes]. So dense were their ranks that they seemed to cover the whole mountain like a cloud, and they so filled the air that Patrick could see neither sky nor earth nor ocean. St. Patrick turned to God, asking that He scatter the demons, but for a time it would seem as if his prayers and tears were in vain. At length, he rang his sweet-sounding bell, symbol of his preaching of the divine truths. Its sound was heard all over the valleys and hills, bringing peace and joy. The flocks of demons began to scatter. He flung his bell among them. They took to sudden flight, casting themselves into the ocean. So complete was the saint's victory over them that, as the ancient narrative adds, "for seven years no evil thing was to be found in Ireland." The saint, however, would not, as yet, descend from the mountain. He had vanquished the demons, but he would now wrestle with God, like Jacob of old, to secure the spiritual interests of his people. An angel had announced to him that, to reward his fidelity in prayer and penance, as many of his people would be gathered into heaven as would cover the land and sea as far as his vision could reach. Far more ample, however, were the aspirations of the saint, and he resolved to persevere in fasting and prayer until the fullest measure of his petition was granted. Again and again the angel came to comfort him, announcing new concessions; but all these would not suffice. He would not relinquish his post on the mountain, or relax his penance, until all were granted. At length the message came that his prayers were heard:

• many souls would be free from pain through his intercession;
• whoever in the spirit of penance would recite his hymn before death would attain the heavenly reward;
• barbarian hordes would never obtain sway in his Church;
• seven years before the Judgement Day, the sea would spread over Ireland to save its people from the temptations and terrors of the anti-Christ; and
• greatest blessing of all, Patrick himself should be judge of the whole Irish race on the last day.

          Such were the extraordinary favors which St. Patrick, wrestling with God, unceasing prayer, unconquerable love of heavenly things, and unremitting penetential deeds, obtained for the people whom he evangelized.

          It is sometimes supposed that St. Patrick's ministry was an unbroken series of peaceful triumphs, and yet it was quite the reverse. No storm of persecution was stirred up to assail the infant Church, but the saint himself was subjected to frequent trials at the hands of enemies of the faith. He tells us in his "Confessio" that no fewer than twelve times he and his companions were seized and carried off as captives, and on one occasion, he was loaded with chains, and his death was decreed. But, from all these trials and sufferings, he was liberated by divine intervention. It is on account of the many hardships which he endured that, in some of the ancient martyrologies, he is honored as a martyr.

          St. Patrick, having now completed his triumph over paganism, and gathered Ireland into the fold of Christ, prepared for the summons to his reward. St. Brigid came to him with her chosen virgins, bringing the shroud in which he would be enshrined. It is recorded that when St. Patrick and St. Brigid were united in their last prayer, a special vision was shown to him. He saw the whole of Ireland lit up with the brightest rays of divine faith. This continued for centuries, and then clouds gathered around the devoted island, and, little by little, the religious glory faded away, until, in the course of centuries, it was only in the remotest valleys that some glimmer of its light remained. St. Patrick prayed that the light would never be extinguished, and, as he prayed, an angel came to him, saying: "Fear not: your apostolate shall never cease." As he thus prayed, the glimmering light grew in brightness until once more all the hills and valleys of were lit up in pristine splendor, and then the angel announced to St. Patrick: "Such shall be the abiding splendour of Divine truth in Ireland." At Saul (Sabhall), St. Patrick received the summons to his reward on 17 March, 493. St. Tassach administered the last sacraments to him. His remains were wrapped in the shroud woven by St. Brigid's own hands. The bishops, clergy, and people from lands far away, crowded around his remains to pay due honor to the man who gave them faith. Some of the ancient lives record that for several days the light of heaven shone around his bier. His remains were interred at the chieftan's Dun, where arose the cathedral of Down.