I enjoyed reading this book. I also found out that everything that I thought I knew about St. Patrick, I really didn't. Many people assume that he was from Ireland. Patrick was actually born in Britain and was the son of a Roman aristocrat.
This book's introduction starts out by going over the many tales and legends that have followed this man, St.Patrick. There were some that I was familiar with and many more I was not. Patrick did not chase the snakes out of Ireland nor did he use the clover leaf to teach about the Holy Trinity. There were no leprechauns following him anywhere.
In fact, Patrick was kidnapped as a sixteen year old boy and then taken to Ireland to be sold as a slave. He was captive for six years and worked as a shepherd. Ireland was a barbaric and uncivilized island in those days. Patrick must have been shocked and frightened many times while he was in captivity there. The physical conditions were quite harsh as his work environment consisted of days of snow, ice and rain. The long days working as a shepherd had allowed him plenty of time to think. Despite it all, Patrick felt the presence of a Creator, watching over and protecting him, and he realized that this was God.
As Patrick drew closer, he felt God's presence more.
Patrick's story is an amazing journey which chronicles his return to Ireland. He obeys God and returns to bring Christianity to the people of Ireland. It was dangerous and challenging but quite miraculous because Patrick did it. ( )

Saint Patrick is a lively exploration of the often mythologized life of Ireland’s greatest missionary. Deftly wielding Patrick’s own writings as a tool with which to divide fact from fiction, Jonathan Rogers does at times share Patrician legends but clearly identifies them as such, while focusing the main portions of his text on what is verifiable and historically likely and ascertainable.

At a brief 132 pages, this purse-sized volume held me captivated as I entered further into the life, theology, and writings of Patrick. The man was truly a believer with a passionate, personal relationship with Christ during a time in which many in the church were involved for political/power-holding reasons. His utter dependence on Jesus, his discarding of anything that hindered his journey, his devotion to missions, and his clear awareness of Christ’s indwelling presence have endeared Patrick to me. Dare I say it – the man has the soul of an evangelical!

Public domain versions of Patrick’s own writings (translated from Latin to English) are included at the book’s end. While they are quoted heavily throughout the book, reading his letters as coherent missives definitely adds to an understanding of his personal writing style!

Normally, I wouldn’t be the first person to sign up to read the biography of a Catholic saint (we’re ALL saints according to scripture), but Patrick is certainly an icon in world history, and I’m glad to have ‘met’ him in the pages of Saint Patrick.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )

Most people recognize the name of St. Patrick on account of the holiday on March 17, and most people are familiar with his connection with Ireland. But how many know the story of St. Patrick himself? Christian Encounters: St. Patrick, by Jonathan Rogers, represents a short introduction to St. Patrick's life and work.

The author tells many of the legends that are associated with Patrick and works to uncover the truth of the story. There are only two works that seem to come from his hand-- his Confessions and Letter to Coroticus (translations of which are provided in appendices to the book). Rogers uses these, along with later biographies and accounts of Britain and Ireland of the day, to tell the story of Patrick.

While Patrick was most likely not the miracle worker proclaimed by the legends surrounding him, what he did accomplish was no less amazing. Born in Britain during the tempestuous end of Roman control of that area, he was captured and enslaved by Irish raiders at the age of 16. After escaping and entering the priesthood, Patrick voluntarily returned and went about teaching Christianity to the Irish. He was doing what was thought to be impossible during those days-- the conversion of the pagan heathen, taking Christianity beyond the boundaries of the Roman Empire. Despite opposition, both from within and without the Church, he was largely successful in his endeavor. Ireland was won for "Catholic" Christianity, and whereas it had been barbaric, it would prove to be the savior of civilization during the upcoming Dark Ages.

The book is short and readily accessible and does well at presenting the story of Patrick as honestly as can be expected. Gaps in knowledge and difficulties in understanding are admitted. Overall it is a great resource for understanding Patrick, his times, and his role in promoting Christianity in Ireland. ( )