The film Saint Patrick tells the life story of the patron saint of Ireland—the bishop through whom God, with the help of miracles reminiscent of events from the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah, converted Ireland from Celtic paganism to the Christian faith.

Patrick is a simple Catholic young man who often acts recklessly. Because of one such foolish act, he falls into the hands of Irish slave traders. They take him by ship from England to Ireland.

There he gets to know the local people, and a desire grows within him to dedicate his life to saving the Irish from destructive paganism. After some time, he manages to gain his freedom and return home to England.

Back in his homeland, he convinces the bishop to allow him to study for the priesthood. After his ordination, he once again declares his desire to go on a mission to Ireland. Initially, someone else is sent on this mission, but that expedition ends in failure. Thus, the task of converting Ireland ultimately falls to Patrick.

Upon his arrival in Ireland, Patrick is accompanied by various miracles, through which the local people see that Patrick has come with the power of God. The problem is that the Druid priests are not willing to give up their influence and power so easily. The later attacks by corrupt Catholic clergy in Britain are a story unto themselves.

Drama / Historical / Biographical / Adventure

USA, 2000, 100 min

Cast: Robert Hughes;

Crew: Patrick Bergin, Alan Bates, Susannah York, Malcolm McDowell, Alan Stanford, Eamonn Owens, Ned Dennehy, James Flynn, Pat McGrath, Seán McDonagh, Chris McHallem;

Parents’ Guide:

Pagans attempting to kill a woman during a sacrificial ritual. One scene of Patrick being whipped. The confirmation of a druid’s death in a fire. One scene with a more explicit depiction of killing. A bishop who is hostile toward Patrick. A bishop who comes across as greedy and hateful. As a young man, Patrick becomes involved with pagans during their ritual, where he drinks an intoxicating potion.

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