St. Patrick’s Day

March 17th of Every Year St. Patrick’s Day celebrated People from all over the world… Share symbols Tell stories Engage in Irish activities

Who really was St. Patrick Was he even Irish? When did he appear in history? Why was he so important? Why do people remember him now? Why is March 17th so important?

St. Patrick Born in Great Britian to a rich family He began going to school Was not particularly that special of a kid

Well then why is he so important When he was 16 he was kidnapped by irish raiders for ransom. His parents would not pay. He was sold into slavery in Ireland

Irish Slavery He stayed enslaved for the next 6 years He was a herdsman for a flock of sheep (Sheppard) He eventually escaped and returned to his family.

The Faith He was a catholic as a boy. Over his 6 years in Irish slavery he grew a strong christian faith He studied the Bible and learned more & more about the faith

His Vision One night alone in his bed he had a vision In his vision he was directed to fast for 30 days. He was then told to escape from his slave master during the night There would be a ship waiting for him 200 miles He walked through Ireland Had no map & knew no route (followed the direction of the Lord)

The Ship He reached the ship at night fall 4 days later. He boarded the ship as was directed in his dreams. The Captain stopped him. Have you no money to pay the fare the captain asked patrick. Patrick had no money He was told “in no means try to board this ship” So Patrick left the ship & headed for a hut. He was stopped in the village where the hut was and told that the men of the ship were calling for him.

Back in Great Britian The ship docked in Great Britian St. Patrick got out and found a Christian monastery that took him in. He became a priest

Missions Everywhere he went Miracles happened. He led many mission trips to try to convert people to Catholicism Used the Shamrock to distinguish Holy Trinity Everywhere he went Miracles happened.

Myths, Miracles & Legends He banished snakes from an island Rose people from the dead. He converted countless people to Christianity

Story of his death Died March 17th 461A.D. at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland. Natural causes Made a saint hundreds of years after his death. Made a saint because of his Christian teachings around the world.

St. Patrick’s Day Symbols Most do not have to do with St. Patrick’s day at all. Three Leaf Clover Four Leaf Clover Leprechauns Green Luck of the Irish

Three Leaf (shamrock) Clover The Way St. Patrick taught the Trinity on his Missions Father Son Holy Spirit as one

Four Leaf (Shamrock) Clover Used by St. Patrick? Luck? Not luck at all? The four clovers represent… Hope Faith Love Happiness (some say luck)

Green Why do we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? Because you will be pinched if you don’t School children in Ireland started the tradition Green was the color of the Irish flag & you were pinched if you did not have it on.

The Luck of the Irish Say your Prayers May blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow & may trouble avoid you wherever you go Wear green Catch a Leprechaun

Legend of the Leprechaun Leprechauns were crabby shoemakers Fairies paid leprechauns to mend their shoes. Paid them in gold coins They collected them in large black pots If you listen closely & hear their hammer you might be able to catch one. If you catch one & threaten them they will lead you to which rainbow their treasure is behind but on the journey if you take your eye off of them they will vanish & you will be lost in the woods forever.