Most people think St. Patrick’s Day is about shamrocks and green beer. But who was the man behind the legend?

In this interview with Eddie Cotter Jr., Catholic author, speaker, and founder of the Dead Theologians Society, we uncover the true story of St. Patrick beyond the legends.

This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone who has ever felt unqualified by their weaknesses or wounds.

St. Patrick was kidnapped as a teenager, dragged to Ireland as a slave, and spent six years in isolation — and that’s exactly what made him one of the greatest missionaries in history. His wounds weren’t disqualifiers. They were his training.

He learned the language. He learned the culture. He loved the people. And then he went back—voluntarily—to the land of his captivity to bring them the faith.

He felt unqualified. He felt uneducated. He said so himself. And yet he converted an entire nation.

Your wounds might be the exact thing that God is using to prepare you for his glory. Even our darkest moments can become the beginning of our mission.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day—and may his rugged faith inspire you to live yours boldly.

The episode closes with Eddie reading St. Patrick’s Lorica (Breastplate) — the prayer Patrick prayed daily for God’s protection throughout his mission.

PLUS: Eddie is the talented drummer of an amazing traditional Irish band. They played at my 50th birthday party and you get to watch some of the fun at the end of this video!