The Wisdom of St. Patrick by Greg Tobin

Greg Tobin is editor in chief of the Book of the Month Club and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows parish in South Orange, New Jersey. In addition to this work of nonfiction, he has authored several novels, including Jericho, Big Horn, and Prairie.

Drawing from the Patrician scholarship of numerous writers, Tobin presents a challenging and provocative account of St. Patrick's life and times. Written by a lay person for lay persons, this book inspires and educates while dispelling the inaccuracies and myths concerning St. Patrick.

Tobin begins by retelling Patrick's story from his only two known surviving works: The Confession of St.Patrick and The Lettter to the Soldiers of Coroticus. Tobin's research draws from historical documents on Patrick and includes a short biography which attests to his legacy in the fifth century Christian community. Within the commentary are selected quotations from St. Patrick, Tobin's meditation on the quotation, and a closing prayer. Ideally, the commentary is intended as an extended devotional study on Christian virtues. The appendix includes Tobin's translation of the Confession and the Letter as well as "The Lorica of St. Patrick" and "The Hymn of Secundius."

I liked this book because it gives the reader a sound elementary background in the life of one of the most beloved and misunderstood saints of the early church. Much of Patrick's life is shrouded in mystery and inaccuracies. Tobin's book dispells the romanticism surrounding Patrick's life and sheds light on factual data based on historical research. Lay people will be inspired by the life of such a humble yet great man. The example of Patrick inspires modern Christians to keep Christ central in their lives and to develop the attributes which Tobin elaborates in his meditations. Readers can find inspiration in learning that when discouragement surrounds them in life, they can follow Patrick's leadership by keeping their focus on Christ. Following the Chrisitan example has never been easy, but Patrick inspires them to share the love of Christ by holy and upright living.

At this time of year Christains celebrate the life of St. Patrick and meditate on his sharing the love of Christ wherever he traveled on the Emerald Isle. Counted among those who have been greatly blessed, modern readers will learn that Patrick counted himself rich beyond measure because he was called to preach the gospel in the example of the apostles of our Lord.