MARCH 17 - ST. PATRICK'S DAY

St. Patrick

March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. People who aren't Irish like to be Irish, and the people who are, enjoy the day to the fullest. Many people wear green to signify Ireland on March 17.

St. Patrick lived between 387-461 AD. He was born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland. Many stories are told about him, and we learned that he was courageous. He assisted in converting Ireland to Christianity. He's very popular, and he is the patron of Ireland.

Kidnapping of St. Patrick:

When St. Patrick was 16, he and a large number of his father’s slaves and vassals were captured by Irish raiders and sold as slaves in Ireland. Ireland was a pagan country. He was made to work as a shepherd. He was often hungry and cold. He was held captive for four years. While he was in captivity, he turned to God. He managed to escape and return to his family.

Back to Ireland:

Shortly after he returned to his family, he had visions and dreams that Ireland needed him. He was ordained a priest by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre. Later he became a Bishop ad was sent to Ireland.

St. Patrick built many Churches in Ireland. He converted many people. Thousands of people listened to him and converted to Christianity. He grew well respected and loved.
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Shamrock:

St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach about the Trinity. The shamrock has become a well known Irish symbol.
Final Days: St. Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. He died March 17, 461. He died at Saul where he first built a Church.

Prayers:

St. Patrick Lorica

Details:

His writings clearly show his strong bond to God. He self educated the best he could.
He grew very close to the people in Ireland. He hated slavery, and he became the first person to speak against it. Slavery wasn't considered immoral until the end of the 19th century. He was against excluding any type of person. Women liked him because he advocated for women's rights. He had deep sensitivity for women.

Shortly after Patrick died, the Irish stopped slave trading. Human sacrifice ended. War became confined and limited. Patrick died knowing that he accomplished his dreams. Ireland became a better place due to him.