ANSWER: The angel announced the harsh penances and prayer of St. Patrick had won salvation for multitudes in Ireland.

 

St. Patrick (387 A.D. – c. 460 A.D.) – Catholic priest and miracle worker

“The angel had announced to him that, to reward his fidelity in prayer and penance, as many of his people would be gathered into heaven as would cover the land and sea as far as his vision could reach. Far more ample, however, were the aspirations of the saint, and he resolved to persevere in fasting and prayer until the fullest measure of his petition was granted. Again and again the angel came to comfort him, announcing new concessions; but all these would notsuffice. He would not relinquish his post on the mountain, or relax his penance, until all were granted. At length the message came that his prayers were heard:” (SOURCE: Catholic Encyclopedia)

  • many souls would be free from the pains of purgatory through his intercession;

  • whoever in the spirit of penance would recite his hymn before death would attain the heavenly reward;

  • barbarian hordes would never obtain sway in his Church;

  • seven years before the Judgement Day, the sea would spread over Ireland to save its people from the temptations and terrors of the Antichrist; and

  • greatest blessing of all, Patrick himself should be deputed to judge the whole Irish race on the last day. (SOURCE: Catholic Encyclopedia)

Commissioned by the pope, St. Patrick is best known for bringing the Catholic faith to pagan Ireland. He was the second bishop of Ireland, and is believed to be the first to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in Ireland

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