St. Patrick...Set Out to Win a Pagan Nation

"Recidivism"...How Soon We Forget...Must We Fall so Easily? yet Again?

Born in Wales around about the year 385 AD was a pagan by the name of Maewyn. Not a Saint was he.
He was a pagan, born and bred. Yet at sixteen, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders. Perhaps this was God's plan to pull many from Satan's captivity.

A slave he was, for approximately six years before escaping to Gaul.
Converted to Christianity, he began to study, under St. Germain bishop of Auxerre twelve years seeking God with his all.

Training hard, giving to God his heart and mind, trusting God to lead, heeding his calling, willingly he did go.
Converted to Christianity, adopting a new name "Patrick", it was, if you don't know.

Once fleeing the pagan land, now desiring to return to win many a new convert.
Denied this wish for a year waiting yet another, as Palladious wore the bishops' shirt.

Praying still, waiting on God's perfect timing, soon Palladious would be transferred to Scotland.
Patrick soon would cause a rift, spreading the true gospel to the Celtic Druids, angering those blinded by Satan's hand.

Successful at turning pagan hearts to the gospel light, soon the Devil would fight.
Sending Patrick to prison time and again, Patrick continued to escape to spread the gospel light.

Ireland a land so bright, so beautiful, yet by Druids marred.
To this land was Patrick called, traveling all throughout, telling of our Saviour's hands that for us were scarred.

Establishing monasteries, churches and schools, Patrick sought to win those who were lost.
Giving his all, a legend he would become, some knowing the cost.

Working thirty years, praying daily without delay, converting a nation it's a job you see.
Praying, for others who are lost, it the job of every Christian, both Patrick, you and me.

A worker was Patrick it's true, tiring he did retire to a place called County Down.
Having tried in vain to win some, having triumphed and won, many destined not for a pleasant town.

Dying in March in the year, 461 AD, around about the seventeenth day, Patrick went his way.
His work on this earth done, opening fast the door that Satan once held tightly shut, having led many astray.