Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland. Of course, we all know that due to the celebrations that take place around the world on St. Patrick’s Day.
Interestingly, St. Patrick was not born in Ireland but in England. During his youth, he was abducted from England and forced into slavery in Ireland as a sheepherder. During that time, he developed a deep and profound relationship with God. God eventually led him to a ship, which whisked him away from slavery toward his destiny. After entering the priesthood, he was called back to Ireland because he heard strong calls from the Emerald Isle.
Saint Patrick was responsible for many miracles (producing food as needed, changing forms, etc.). He is also responsible for banishing snakes from Ireland and bringing Christianity to Ireland. One way he accomplished the Christian conversion of Ireland was by relating Christian rituals to Pagan ones. For instance, he explained the trinity by using a shamrock plucked from the soil (Pagans hold the principle of three and natural elements to be of considerable consequence) to explain the trinity.
After his death in 461, his followers spread Christian religion far and wide as they spread out from the monasteries he established. It is easy to see why he is held in such high regard in Ireland.
