St. Patrick | March 17

St. Patrick | March 17

Whether you know him as the man who brought Christianity to Ireland or simply as a reason you eat corned beef and cabbage in March, St. Patrick (415 – 493) is a well-known saint around the world.

St. Patrick was born in Britain of a Romanized family. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders from the villa of his father, a deacon and local official, and brought into slavery in Ireland. He spent six long years there as a herdsman, during which he turned to his faith for strength. He later escaped back to Britain on a ship, where he was eventually reunited with his family.

His years of captivity changed him and brought out a zeal for God and a yearning to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Despite the constant danger of martyrdom, he continued to travel throughout Ireland where he baptized and confirmed in the name of Christ.