Saint Patrick
Early Life and Enslavement
Saint Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, around 385 AD. His birthplace is not known with certainty, but it is believed to be either in the town of Banna Venta Berniae, a location otherwise unknown today, or in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton in Scotland. His father, Calpurnius, was a deacon from a Roman family of high social standing. Patrick's mother, Conchessa, was a close relative of the great patron Saint Martin of Tours.
Patrick's upbringing is less documented than his later life, but it is understood that he was not an active believer in Christianity. At the age of 16, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity, often herding sheep. During this time, he lived a solitary, harsh life in the wilderness, turning to his faith for comfort. He became deeply devoted to Christianity through his isolation.
Religious Conversion and Escape
During his captivity, Patrick became increasingly religious. In his writings, he recalls a vision in which God spoke to him in a dream, saying, "Your ship is ready." This inspired him to escape his captors and make his way to a port 200 miles away, where he found a ship ready to sail. He managed to board the ship and after three days of sailing, they landed, presumably in Britain. After years of living a nomadic life and enduring a harsh journey of hunger and deprivation, Patrick was reunited with his family.
Return to Ireland and Missionary Work
After his return to Britain, Patrick reported that he had experienced a second revelation—an angel in a dream tells him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Despite his family's pleas for him to remain at home, Patrick was determined to return to Ireland and convert the Irish to Christianity. He studied in the monastic tradition for several years. He was eventually ordained a priest by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years.
Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Slane, Ireland on March 25, 433. Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message.
Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for over 40 years. He worked tirelessly, facing hostile pagan druids and undergoing trials and hardships. He converted the warrior chiefs and princes, baptizing them and thousands of their subjects in the Holy Wells which still bear that name.
Legacy and Canonization
Patrick's efforts against the druids were eventually turned into an allegory in which he drove "snakes" out of Ireland, despite the fact that snakes were not known to inhabit the region. Tradition holds that he died on March 17 and was buried at Downpatrick. Over the following centuries, many legends grew up around Patrick and he became Ireland's foremost saint.
Patrick was never formally canonized by a Pope; rather, he was proclaimed a saint by the local Church. His becoming a saint is therefore a matter of local approval, rather than a formal canonization. The day of his death, March 17, has been commemorated as Saint Patrick's Day ever since.