PATRICK

PATRICK is a beautifully filmed documentary with dramatic recreations about the famous Saint Patrick who evangelized Ireland. It tells the story of the evangelist from when he was a wealthy citizen of Roman Britain, through his kidnapping, to his miraculous escape from Ireland, to his call from God, to his years of seminary and preparation, to a successful ministry, to the envy of the other church leaders, and finally to the redemption of Ireland. Patrick was the first evangelist to evangelize a whole nation, and as a result of his work in the fifth century, Ireland became a bastion of learning and faith during the Dark Ages.

This TV documentary is exquisite in every sense; the production values, the well chosen interviews, and the dramatic recreations work well together. It is the most objective look at Patrick that also helps the audience to understand his faith and God’s call on his life.

The special features the voices of two of Ireland’s top actors, with narration by Liam Neeson, and Gabriel Byrne supplying the voice of Patrick. On-air commentary is provided by renowned Irish-American author Frank McCourt, who offers keen insight on how a foreign evangelical would have interacted with the Irish. Additional commentary is provided by a group of noted scholars and authors, including Philip Freeman, author of the upcoming book “St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography,” David R. Howlett of Oxford University and Dáibhí Ó Cróinín – Historian, National University of Ireland, Galway. “Patrick” was produced and directed by Emmy Award winning filmmaker Pamela Mason Wagner.

The story of the real St. Patrick is part adventure tale and part spiritual awakening, with the future saint rising from slave to liberator; learning to forgive and ultimately love his enemies; taking up a cause no one believed in; and finally lighting a fire that kept western civilization alive.

Unlike other Patrick movies and TV programs, it does not deal with the miracles attributed to him. However, it does not gloss over the depth of his prayer life and spirit-filled ministry. PATRICK is a wonderful television program that should be seen by all.