The Story of St Patrick
Saint Patrick
Born: 385
Died: 461
St. Patrick was born around the year 387 in Britain, which during that time was a part of the Christian Roman Empire. Patrick's father was a Roman citizen, and so Patrick was himself well educated. Patrick was only a teenager of about sixteen or seventeen when he was kidnapped and carried off across the seas to Ireland by pirates. The land was ruled by pagans and different tribal chieftains.
Patrick was sold as a slave and his master had him tending his sheep in the mountains. During this troubling time, Patrick turned to God in prayer. He was alone on the mountain and spend many hours praying while watching his master's sheep. It is said that he prayed more than a hundred times a day and night!
For six years Patrick lived in Ireland as a slave. One day, Patrick's prayers were answered when he had a dream telling him how to escape from his master. He returned home and was now a young man who was totally different from the teenager who was captured so many years ago. Patrick could not forget the pagans of Ireland. He had visions of them calling him to come back. Patrick knew that God wished him to become a missionary to Ireland. Patrick began to prepare for this task. He spent many years studying before being ordained a priest.
Several years later, Patrick was made a bishop and then began his work in Ireland. He was well accepted by the people because he was already familiar with the language and customs. He began by converting the tribal chiefs and soon the people followed. Patrick stayed busy baptizing and setting up churches and monasteries. Ireland was quickly transformed from a pagan land to a people heartily embracing the Catholic faith. Patrick's missionary work to the Irish lasted for 29 years until his death in 461 at the age of 76. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th, the day Patrick is believed to have died. He is remembered as the patron saint of Ireland.
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