Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
March 13, 2002
Inspiring video about St. Patrick mixes fact and blarney
`St. Patrick: The Irish Legend' fine fare for Catholic families
By Patrick Dorn
In true Celtic style, the stories and legends surrounding St. Patrick artfully weave together history and fantasy, the magical and the mundane. "St. Patrick: The Irish Legend," a made-for-television movie with feature film production values, gives equal weight to Patrick's down-to-earth simplicity, zeal for evangelism, and the mystical qualities that transformed him into Ireland's patron saint, shaping both fact and blarney into an exciting, inspiring adventure suitable for the entire family.
Filmed on location in Ireland and originally presented by the Fox Family Channel two years ago, "St. Patrick: The Irish Legend" is now available on videotape or DVD through Ignatius Press and other Christian video outlets. Unlike most current releases, the DVD offers no additional features, behind-the-scenes documentaries, background information or commentaries.
"St. Patrick: The Irish Legend" tells the story of privileged and reckless young fifth century British nobleman Patrick (Luke Griffin), who flirts with the pagan rituals of the Druids, is captured by Irish slave traders, and sold into servitude. During six wretched years of lonely captivity, he gives his life to Christ and begins to pray without ceasing, astonishing the townsfolk with his humble yet courageous spirit. God arranges for his escape back to Britain, where the prodigal son is reunited with his parents (Alan Bates and Susannah York), but quickly discovers the calling of his heart is to return to the Irish people to bring them the good news of Jesus Christ.
As an adult, Patrick (Patrick Bergin) tirelessly trains for the priesthood in Britain, until he is given the opportunity to be sent as an apostle to Ireland. Bishop Patrick's knowledge of the Irish culture and abiding love for the people quickly wins converts, but it is his unshakable faith and display of supernatural abilities, similar to those performed by Moses, that confirm his ministry on the Emerald Isle.
Patrick is a true laborer in the vineyard, a worker bishop who isn't afraid of hard physical labor as he redeems slaves, ministers to the sick, and builds beehive-style stone huts for the Christian community. Only once does he lose his temper, when an English nobleman raids Ireland and massacres women and children. Patrick's subsequent excommunication of the aristocrat opens him up to political repercussions, thrusting him into a Machiavellian world of ecclesial diplomacy and strategic game playing for which he has no interest or talent.
Patrick's mission grows, to the increasing displeasure of the effete and affected British bishops. Led by Bishop Quentin (Malcolm McDowell, sneering and scowling in his trademark villainous fashion), they challenge Patrick's authority as bishop, accuse him of being power hungry and chastise him for failing to send Irish tithes to England. Patrick writes his famous Confession in response, but it is only through the efforts of a childhood friend who once betrayed him, and the intercession of the pope, that Patrick's episcopacy is confirmed and his mission to the people of Ireland is allowed to continue.
Bergin, a 50-year-old Dublin native and former math teacher who is best known for his performances in "Mountains of the Moon" (1990), "Sleeping With The Enemy" (1991) and "Patriot Games" (1992), plays Patrick with quiet zeal. The bearded Bergin seems perfectly at home clomping up and down Ireland's countryside in heavy boots and a homespun monastic robe, crosier held confidently in his calloused hand. Griffin is likewise excellent as the spoiled youth who, like St. Francis, responds enthusiastically to God's call for a humble yet thrilling vocation that is fraught with risk and adventure.
The miracles, and there are many, are presented with a judicious use of computer generation. God is relegated to a supporting, yet essential role, so that the special effects never steal Patrick's thunder. Scenes of deepening friendships, soul-searching prayerful moments, conspiratorial closed-door sessions among the English bishops and inspiring periods of growth for the Irish mission balance Patrick's several spectacular showdowns with Druid magicians and Irish warlords.
The film was written by Robert Hughes and Martin Duffy, and produced and directed by Robert Hughes for Shanachie, through Saban International. Inon Zur composed the evocative Celtic soundtrack.
"St. Patrick: The Irish Legend" would make a fine addition to any Catholic family's home entertainment library.
To order the video or DVD of "St. Patrick: The Irish Legend," call Ignatius Press toll free at 1-800-651-1531, or visit your local Catholic bookstore.
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