One springtime I found myself browsing in a New York book store, when I came

across an intriguing book title How The Irish Saved Civilization. The word Irish is

seldom coupled with the word civilization, which we associate with the Egyptians,

Greeks and Romans. According to Thomas Cahill, the author of the book with the

intriguing title, the flickering flame of western Christianity survived by clinging to

the western seaboard of Ireland.

Patrick, whose day we celebrate this March, was critical to the founding of

Christianity in Ireland. The thirty year span of Patrick’s mission in Ireland

coincided with the demise of Roman civilization. The key to Patrick’s confidence,

a rock solid confidence on which a civilization may be built, was his reliance on

God, the Creator of creation. How did Patrick win the pagan Irish to faith in

Christ? In becoming an Irishman. Patrick wedded his world to theirs, his faith to

their life. He immersed himself into people’s lives. He was earthy and warm, a

man of loyalty, pain, courage and generosity. Irish Christianity today, in its many

forms, is clinging onto life, like a patient in intensive care. As we celebrate the

achievements of Patrick, let us, like him, seek to engage with the Irish people, with

faith, hope and generosity.