St Patrick

Saint Patrick


Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. St Patrick's Day is March 17.



St Patrick is traditionally associated with the Shamrock plant, which he used to explain the concept of the Trinity.



St Patrick's value doesn't really come from the historical details but from the inspiration of a man who returned to the country where he had been a child slave, in order to bring the message of Christ.



Facts in brief

St Patrick really existed

Taken to Ireland as a slave at age 16

Escaped after 6 years

Became a Christian priest, and later a Bishop

Returned to Ireland as a missionary

Played a major part in converting the Irish to Christianity

Some of his writings survive, the Confessio and the Letter to Coroticus

In his teens, Patrick was captured by a gang of Irish pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. Patrick came to believe that this was a punishment for his lack of faith.
He was put to work for six years herding sheep and pigs on Slemish mountain in County Antrim. While he was a shepherd, Patrick spent much of his time praying.

In an escape bid (while he was a captive in Ireland), Patrick stowed away on a boat bound for Britain, and it landed not far from where his parents lived
Patrick decided to follow his vocation to become a priest, and after a dream he was inspired to return to Ireland.

Patrick believed that when "every nation" had heard the gospel, Christ would then return, and it seems he believed that he was the person to bring this message of Christianity to the land that represented this "final hurdle" of God's plan.