This information is taken primarily from St. Patrick’s autobiography, known in English as The Confession of St. Patrick.  It is a short work of sixty-two paragraphs.

St. Patrick’s autobiographical work opens with a humbling self-description: “I, Patrick, a sinner, most rustic, the least of all the faithful, and utterly despised by many.” 

He identifies his origins as Bannavem Taburnia, a Roman settlement likely located in present-day northern England or Wales, indicating his Romano-British heritage. Though his father was a deacon and his grandfather a priest, Patrick admits to not being religious until the age of sixteen.

Enslaved in Ireland, he spent six years as a shepherd, during which time he experienced certain adventures and a profound spiritual awakening through personal prayer. He then recounts his escape and subsequent journey back to Britain. Following his return, he pursued religious training, feeling a strong calling to evangelize the Irish people. He described himself as a 'rustic' shepherd now tasked with tending human souls.

Patrick reports experiencing vivid visions. In one, he heard the Irish people imploring him, “We ask you, boy, come and walk among us once more.” Another vision conveyed the message, “He that has laid down His Life for you, it is He that speaks in you,' filling him with joy.”

In this autobiography, Patrick addresses criticisms of his ministry, including accusations of taking money without need and reports of plots against him. He defends his vocation by denying these accusations and shares gratitude for the opportunity to baptize countless people and share the message of the Gospel with the people of Ireland.

He expressed his intent to remain in Ireland, lamenting the continued enslavement of women and dedicating himself to his spiritual mission. His work has left an enduring legacy on the religious history of Ireland.

Other information about St. Patrick

Some historians believe the Confessio is connected to the Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus, in which Saint Patrick warns the soldiers not to believe the false accusations made against him.

Medieval sources refer to Patrick by several names: Magonus, meaning ‘famous’ or ‘serving boy’; Patricius, meaning ‘father of citizens’; and Cothirthiacus, suggesting that he ‘served in the house of four druids.’

St. Patrick’s importance grew early in the Medieval period. Although never formally canonized, he has long been honored as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox and Greek traditions, which calls him ‘Equal to the Apostles’ and ‘Enlightener of Ireland. A 7th-century biography written by Tirechán refers to Patrick as ‘papa,’ or father of the Irish Church.

A 7th-century work called The Life of Muirchu of Machtheni recounts stories of St. Patrick removing idols and contests with the druids, denouncing prophetic curses, converting notable leaders, and establishing convents during his lifetime.

Ancient legends also imply that St. Patrick was like the prophet Moses in that he was:

1. Taken from his native people.
2. Returned to his homeland.
3. Returned to the place of slavery.
4. Preached and worked miracles.
5. Prayed and fasted for 40 days on the mountain “Croagh Patrick.”
6. Prayed for the People of Ireland to be faithful until the end of time.
7. Contention over the placement of his body.

Other ancient legends involve the banishment of the snakes from Ireland, and speaking with ancient warriors who convert to Christianity, and the use of the shamrock in catechizing the Holy Trinity.

Scholars believe that there may also have been another person in Ireland called Palladius, who was also called “Patrick.” This man was commissioned by a Pope to evangelize in Ireland just prior to the arrival of the second Patrick, and therefore some of the stories may have become combined or conflated.

St. Patrick lived in the late 4th and early 5th centuries, and Down Cathedral in County Down traditionally claims to be his burial place.