Saint Patrick

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17th. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, as he was the one who spread Christianity among the Irish people.

Patrick was born in Wales (late 300A.D) When he was 16, pirates came and captured him (Niall of the Nine Hostages). They brought him to Ireland and sold him to a farmer named Milchiú.

Patrick worked hard on the farm, minding the sheep and pigs. He prayed to God every day. One night he heard a voice talking to him. It was God. God told him to leave Ireland.

After this he went to France, where he studied to become a priest. Patrick travelled down to Wexford and got on a boat that brought him home to Wales. After this he went to France, where he studied to become a priest.

Patrick was a great priest He became a bishop in 432AD He went back to Ireland to tell the Irish pagans all about Holy God

Patrick picked up a Shamrock The people didn’t want to listen to stories about God but they were very impressed by Patrick because he could speak Irish. Patrick picked up a Shamrock

“How many leaves?” he asked. “Three”, the people replied. “How many stems?” “One”, the people said. Patrick told them that this was like the Holy God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After listening to Patrick, one of the Kings said he was going to follow God.

Cuireann an seamróg an t-Athair, an Mac agus an Spiorad Naomh in iúl dúinn

Patrick stayed in Ireland for 60 years Patrick stayed in Ireland for 60 years. He travelled all around telling the people about God. He died on the17th March (late 400AD). He is celebrated around the world on this date.

There is a famous story which tells us that Patrick banished all of the snakes from Ireland and that’s why you won’t find any here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0q-_gWOYjY