Letter to Coroticus

work by Saint Patrick

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June 26, 2026

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The Letter to Coroticus is a work by Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, written in the 5th century. It is a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians. Patrick, who was himself kidnapped from Britain and enslaved in Ireland as a youth, later returned to Ireland as a missionary to spread Christianity. The letter addresses Coroticus, a British leader whose soldiers had attacked and enslaved newly baptized Christians. Patrick condemns this act, emphasizing the spiritual equality of all Christians and the importance of treating them with dignity. The letter is one of only two surviving works attributed to Patrick, the other being his spiritual autobiography, the Confessio.12

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St. Patrick
…his spiritual autobiography, and his Letter to Coroticus, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians. Patrick’s feast day is commemorated on March 17 with both religious traditions such as church services and secular festivities such as parades. Known as St. Patrick’s Day, its fame and celebration in many countries…
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…his spiritual autobiography, and his Letter to Coroticus, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians. Patrick’s feast day is commemorated on March 17 with both religious traditions such as church services and secular festivities such as parades. Known as St. Patrick’s Day, its fame and celebration in many countries…
Read More