Joseph Duffy is the Bishop of Clogher since 1979. His interest in St. Patrick's writings dates from his time as chaplain to St. Patrick's Purgatory, Lough Derg, where he served for ten years before becoming bishop.

Being pastorally responsible for this place of pilgrimage which has grown in popularity in recent years, he has long been convinced of the timeless relevance of the witness of St. Patrick and of the penitential quality of his mission among the Irish people.

We have much to learn from Patrick's Confession as a record of a genuine and intense religious experience. It forms the basis of a character sketch of the saint. It enables us to discuss in some detail his cultural and social background, his natural talents and temperament, and the general slant of his religious convictions.

In the Confession Patrick speaks to us directly. He says: 'Although I am imperfect in many ways I want my brethren and relatives to know what kind of man I am, so that they may understand the aspiration of my life'.

Dr. Duffy helps us to know St. Patrick, both by his readable new translation of the Confession and his lively personal analysis of it, and by his simple presentation of the background of the times, the places and the people involved.