I Am Patrick: The Patron Saint of Ireland is a documentary that tells the story of St. Patrick, a misunderstood missionary whose true purpose has been suffocated by secular shamrocks and beer festivals. This beautiful, faith-driven film will leave you wondering when the last time was that you witnessed to someone—or stood up for your faith—or even thought about serving someone else other than yourself.
Patrick grew up in a wealthy family, living on the outer border of the Roman Empire. He thought little about the Christian God his community claimed to worship, because he never saw a need for Him. However, after Irish raiders capture and enslave him for nearly seven years, he finds God and a new meaning to life. Later, Patrick escapes Ireland and returns home, only for God to call him back to Ireland to spread the Gospel to his barbaric captors.
Even though Patrick became a bishop through the Catholic Church, he didn’t always follow their rules of ministry. He focused on spreading the Gospel to as many people as possible, regardless of territorial claims. The Catholic Church didn’t appreciate Patrick breaking their rules, so they sought to tarnish his reputation. This film, starring a young Patrick, is narrated by an older Patrick (at the end of his ministry) who reads his letter, A Confession, rebuking the Catholic Church’s false claims and holding strong to the path that Jesus laid out for him.
This documentary doesn’t feel like a traditional history lesson. Between the narration and the story that unfolds on the screen, the historians’, authors’, and church leaders’ over-laying facts and information further serve the powerful, but entertaining story. A few elements for parents to be aware of include language, with one usage of h*** and d***, and one heart-breaking scene that includes the aftermath of a village of Christians who were killed for their faith.
Despite language and violence, St. Patrick’s convicting call to action awards this film Dove-approval for Ages 12+.
The Dove Take:
This beautiful documentary compels all Christians to reevaluate what it means to take up your cross and follow Jesus.
