Who was Saint Patrick?

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, lived sometime around 432 to 461 AD.  He was born in the Roman British Isles, but he was kidnapped when he was 16 years old by pirates.  They took him and sold him as a slave in Ireland. 

Patrick lived and worked as a shepherd in Ireland for six years.  He was a Christian, and his faith helped him through this difficult time.  Eventually he was able to escape from his owners and he went to the Irish coast where he was able to find a way back to Britain.

Back in Britain Patrick decided to become a priest.  He was diligent and worked hard, but he dreamed that the voices of the Irish people were calling him to come back to Ireland and teach them about Christianity.  Eventually Patrick went back to Ireland as a Christian missionary.  There were already some Christians living in Ireland, but Patrick was able to preach to the well-to-do, upper class.  As they were converted it opened the door to Christianity being taught across the country.

Still, there were many people who didn't like what Patrick taught.  The old pagan religion was strong in Ireland, and the druids argued heatedly with Patrick and plotted many ways to kill him, but he was able to outwit them.  Patric laid the groundwork for Christianity in Ireland, and hundred of monasteries and churches were built across the island.

It is said that Saint Patrick brought the Bible and the written word to Ireland.  Before this time stories were passed down orally from generation to generation, but Patrick encouraged studying the Bible and legal texts. 

Patrick's mission to Ireland lasted for about 30 years.  It is believed that he died on March 17, which is why that is the day St. Patrick's Day is commemorated.