Saint Patrick (5th century) was born in Roman Britain and, at about sixteen, was captured by raiders and enslaved in Ireland, where he tended sheep and turned deeply to prayer. After escaping home, he later returned to Ireland as a bishop and missionary, spending the rest of his life spreading the Gospel there. His own words survive in his Confession, and he is honored as the patron saint of Ireland.
Patrick returned in love to the very land where he had suffered as a slave, repaying captivity with the gift of faith. His trust that God was near in every hardship — 'Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me' — shows how suffering, given to God, can become the seed of great grace.
Saint Patrick, who found Christ in the years of trial and carried His light to others, pray for us and for Ben, that Christ may be with us, before us, and behind us, this day and always. Amen.