Patrick of Ireland is probably one of the world's most popular saints. Amongst others such as St. Nicolas and St. Valentine, the entire world shares our love of these saints. This is also a day when everyone is Irish! There are many stories or legends may as you call them but this is his true story. Patrick was born somewhere around 385 in Kilpatrick, Scotland. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans living in Britain in charge of the colonies. As a young teenager, Patrick was captured in a raiding party and taken into Ireland as a slave to heard and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He decided to learn the language of the people who was holding him captive. His enslavement lasted until he was around 20 years old when he escaped after having a dream from God who had told him to go to the coast and it was time for him to leave Ireland. There at the coast he found some sailors who took him back to Britain where he reunited with his family. He began studying to become a priest and was ordained by St. Germanus, who was the bishop of Auxerre whom Patrick had studied under for many years. Later Patrick was ordained a bishop and went back to Ireland to preach the Gospel to the people of Ireland. He arrived in Ireland march 25, 433 where he met a chieftain of one of the tribes. The chief tired to kill Patrick, but he somehow managed to grab hold of the chief's arm and hold it tightly and wouldn't let it go until he promised that he would be nice to him. He began preaching throughout Ireland and converting many people. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, and their families and entire kingdoms were converted to Christianity when hearing the gospel as Patrick told them about it. Patrick continued to preach for over 40 years. He continued to work many miracles and wrote of his love for God in...
