Technology. In 2025, it’s essential to most professions, and that includes the practice of public relations. There are tools for media monitoring, social media management, and analytical assessment, along with video editing apps and, of course, artificial intelligence. That said, public relations at its core is about conveying essential information to one or several target audiences (i.e., “publics”). For accomplishing this central purpose, all the technological wizardry in the world has yet to replace the effectiveness of face-to-face, look-‘em-in-the-eye interaction.
That’s where Patrick comes in. Born early in the 5th century (perhaps around the year 405), likely in what is now northern England, he was a Romano-Briton from a rather well-to-do family. Captured by pirates as a teen and sold into slavery in Ireland, he was pious … and once he escaped his captors, the wheels were set in motion. He returned home, studied in Europe for a time, then experienced a vision compelling him to go back to the Emerald Isle and spread the gospel.
And that’s what he did, likely beginning in the year 433. Facing myriad warring and warlike tribes, all of them pagan, he went right to work preaching, debating, cajoling, and – when necessary – performing miracles. He built relationships with chieftains, embraced local culture and customs, and wasn’t shy about defying Druid-like elders who challenged his mission. When he died on March 17 of 461, he’d established churches, schools, and monasteries, giving the Church a firm foothold in Ireland.
So, if you’re inclined to celebrate today’s most Irish of holidays, honor Patrick by raising a mug, a bowl of corned beef over cabbage, or a scone with jam. An essential founder of what would become Irish civilization and the apostle to the Irish, he also was a remarkably gifted, even genius-level practitioner of public relations. Sláinte!
