Happily, St. Patrick wrote two short works which provide us with a fascinating view of his life, struggles, and spirituality. The first is a ”Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus.” The second, probably written when he was very old, is Patrick’s “Confession.” And happily too there are today a number of resources that can help us to know Patrick better and maybe something of ourselves to boot. Here are some of them:

www.stpatrickcentre.ie This is the website of an educational and cultural facility in Downpatrick, County Down. Here you can read parts of Patrick’s “Confession”, take a virtual tour of the centre’s Patrick museum, and find pictures of sites associated with Patrick’s work and the early Church in Ireland. The centre is also deeply involved in an educational program for young people from all parts of Ireland focusing on their shared Christian roots.

Anthony F. Chiffolo, “An Hour With Saint Patrick.” Liguori Publications. This small booklet offers a brief biography of Patrick then presents a few selected passages from the “Confession” focusing on themes like The Trinity, Communion with God, Perseverance, and Thanksgiving. Chiffolo explains the significance of each for understanding Patrick better, and offers some ideas for meditation on each theme. 24pp. $1. (www.liguori.org)

Don Mullen, “A Little Book of St. Patrick.” The Columba Press. This small booklet offers a more extensive selection of passages from both of Patrick’s works. Mullen identifies the theme of each (e.g. repaying God, trial, keeping the faith, integrity, the Irish) and allows Patrick’s words to speak for themselves. 128pp. $6.50. (www.columba.ie)

Jim McCormack, CM, “St. Patrick: The Real Story as Told in His Own Words.” The Columba Press. This is a complete translation of both of Patrick’s works. Fr. McCormack’s new translation is more lively than most. It will probably become the standard for readers both young and old very quickly. 56pp. $10.50. (www.columba.ie)

Timothy Joyce, OSB, “A Retreat With Patrick: Discovering God In All.” St. Anthony Messenger Press. Father Joyce offers us an opportunity to explore Patrick’s thought more deeply. The format of this book is that of a traditional seven day retreat. Individuals can of course read each “day” at their own pace, or the book can be used by groups over a series of weeks. Like all good spiritual guides, this one challenges us to become more than we have been; to broaden our horizons and to change our lives accordingly. Joyce uses Patrick’s writings to help 21st century Christians to ”seek the real, fully alive and present God” whom Patrick followed and shared with others. 114pp. $9. (www.americancatholic.org)

Schola Cantorum of St. Peter’s Church (Chicago), “In Honor of St. Patrick: Chant For His Feast.” The Liturgical Press. This CD contains the 15th century Latin choral chants sung on St. Patrick’s feast day (normally, March 17). It starts with Vespers (sung the night before the feast day) and moves on to the chanted parts of the Mass for the feast day itself. The CD booklet provides all of the texts in Latin, English, and “Irish,” so following along will be easy.

If you grew up in the ’60s, you will recognize a good deal of the Latin with no help. 65 minutes. $4.24. (Sale). (www.litpress.com)

Ray Simpson, “Celtic Blessings: Prayers For Everyday Life.” Loyola Press. Simpson has compiled over a hundred individual blessings from various Celtic sources old and new. There are prayers here for formal occasions (Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals), but many more for the simple daily events (returning home, loss and dark times, planting a garden, falling in love). If you’re often called upon to “offer a blessing,” this one will get a lot of use. Good intro to “blessings” as a type of prayer in itself. Simpson has written extensively on Celtic spirituality and is a member of the Lindesfarne community in England. 161pp. $13. (www.loyolabooks.org)

James A. Janda, “The Story Of Saint Patrick.” Paulist Press. If you are looking for a way to introduce Patrick to children (ages five to eight), this is it. Janda weaves some of the traditional stories about Patrick into the retelling of his life and mission to the people of Ireland. Christopher Fay’s illustrations are an added bonus. Grandparents beware! You may wind up re-reading this one frequently. This book is one of many Janda has written for Paulist over the years. 32pp. $5. (www.paulistpress.com)

Born in Buffalo, Dr. Daniel N. McNamara has been writing and speaking about Catholic resources for 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Early Christian Literature from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and currently lives in Pennsylvania.