This docu-drama takes a new look at one of the best-loved and least-understood icons of world religion.

The story of the real St. Patrick is part adventure tale and part spiritual awakening, with the future saint rising from slave to liberator; learning to forgive and ultimately love his enemies; taking up a cause no one believed in; and finally lighting a fire that kept western civilization alive. His legacy has had an impact not only on Ireland, where he was able to forge a ground-breaking synthesis of Christian faith and Celtic traditions, but also on all of civilization.

This portrayal of the life of Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, was shot on location in Ireland, using actors in period dress to recreate scenes from Patrick's life. It features the voices of two of Ireland's top actors, with narration by Liam Neeson, and Gabriel Byrne supplying the voice of Patrick. On-camera commentary is provided by Frank McCourt, renowned Irish-American author of Angela's Ashes, who offers keen insight into how a foreign evangelical would have interacted with the Irish. Additional commentary is provided by noted scholars and authors.