Published on March 18, 2024, 12:39 am

Image source: Fox News

In light of festive celebrations and symbolic displays associated with St. Patrick’s Day, a deep-dive into the lesser-known aspects of Ireland’s patron saint invites us to look beyond the four-leaf clovers and green beer. This exploration not only uncovers his profound spiritual legacy but also highlights its relevance in the Christian worldview today.

Aaron Burns, the author of “Praying with Saint Patrick,” endeavors to present an alternative account of St. Patrick, thereby peeling away from the commercialized imagery that typically dominates his persona. Burns was intrigued by St. Patrick’s remarkable transition from being a victim of human trafficking to becoming an influential missionary who fundamentally impacted Ireland and Christianity at large.

As alleged by Burns, young Patrick initially disregarded religion until he was abducted at 15 and brought to Ireland by pirates. Having spent six years as a slave tending sheep in Irish highlands, Patrick found solace in prayer, reviving sentiments instilled during childhood. He described his faith as being actualized dramatically amid immense hardship and trials as God allowed him an escape eventually.

According to Burns’ book “Praying with Saint Patrick,” which also illuminates his directorial efforts on Great American Pure Flix film “Birthright Outlaw,” readers are urged to delve deeper into their faith with enhanced prayerful connections drawing inspiration from one of Christianity’s most celebrated figures: St. Patrick.

Distinguishedly structured around 40 prayers mirroring distinct phases of St. Patrick’s life, this devotional narration blends historical context with personal reflections for readers such that they can resonate closely with his journey whilst applying similar prayerful philosophy in their lives.

Burns refers to contemporary society’s convention of segregating spiritual life from day-to-day existence as being a significant challenge today that often leads people away from connecting deeply with God or experiencing spirituality within themselves daily. In contrast, during St.Patrick’s era the division between physical and spiritual didn’t exist which probably comes from the Irish people’s primal fear of nature due to its supernatural connotations and hence the necessity for daily prayer sessions as a means to seek protection, guidance and support.

Burns commends the significance of St. Patrick’s renowned “Breastplate” prayer, evoking strength and divine safeguarding as core elements for practicing spiritualism in today’s world.

Through his research, Burns perceives an unfulfilled prayer request by St. Patrick – desiring his legacy to remind people of Christ rather than falling prey to commercialized and politicized imagery prevalent today. Reflecting on modern-day secular commemorations of St. Patrick’s Day, Burns empathizes with the significant loss overshadowed by commercial pursuits over centuries leaving only fragments of his true virtues behind.

St. Patrick was not just a follower of Christ but also inherently human who grappled with temptations, sinning, betrayals among other things well into old age. His spirituality was grounded in reality and grace beyond just religious connotations which further served political agendas over time.

Despite such lost essence, Burns believes that St.Patrick would appreciate being remembered for God’s work in Ireland but would prefer believers recollecting the deep faith, prayers and miracles marking his life journey along with celebrating him enthusiastically

As this globally celebrated day approaches again this year, Burns hopes that this devotional scripture offers a timely recall of prayer’s transformative potential eventually inspiring believers to celebrate thoughtfully whilst rediscovering St.Patrick’s enduring spiritual heritage thereby incorporating it within their own Christian worldview.