By Dr. Noreen Jacks

Many of you are familiar with the Macedonian Call, which is the second of six visions the apostle Paul received that guided his ministry to Macedonia on the mainland of Greece. A man from Macedonia appeared to Paul in the vision, urging him to “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Out of obedience to God, Paul set out for the Roman city of Philippi in Macedonia, where he won the first European converts to Christianity (Acts 16:9-13).

Irish history and tradition reveres a similar account of Saint Patrick, the Apostle to Ireland. Born in Britain or France towards the end of the fourth century, Patrick was taken prisoner to Ireland by a group of raiders who had attacked the wealthy estate of his family. Only sixteen years old at the time, young Patrick spent the next six years tending sheep on the lush, verdant hillsides of the “emerald isle”.

During the years of separation from family and homeland, Patrick drew strength from his growing faith. By his own account, he prayed continually while pasturing his flock. Patrick also mastered the Gaelic tongue, which he would later use to preach the gospel to the people of Ireland. Even though Patrick grew to love the people of the land, he eagerly made his escape when guided to do so by a heavenly vision. Upon returning home, he began studying for the priesthood and was eventually ordained a bishop.

Patrick’s destiny would change again through yet another vision. On this occasion, a man appeared to him saying, “Come and walk among us yet again.” Although it is difficult to discern the fine line between fact and legend, one truth remains undisputed among Irish historians and clergy. Having received the Irish version of the Macedonian Call, Patrick returned to Ireland where he spent his remaining days converting the pagan druids to faith in the God of the Bible.

On a personal note: As the first American-born child of my Irish immigrant parents, I am particularly grateful for the ministry of Saint Patrick, who brought the faith to my ancient ancestors, a faith that we have proudly clung to through the ages. Evidence of that faith was visible in my home with the withered cluster of “imported shamrocks” that my mother pinned on everyone in the household. Our family in the old country, as we called it, never failed to send the sacred plant in time for the big day.

When you see the three-leaf shamrock this month (not the four-leafed clover!), be reminded that Patrick used this simple plant to explain the complex doctrine of the Trinity to his converts, one stem with three leaves, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is the true message of Saint Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated by the Irish community worldwide and by those who want to be Irish for the day.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day – March 17th!

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