Saint Patrick was born in Wales around the year of 385AD. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest in the Christian church. Irish raiders kidnapped him at the age of 16, took him to Ireland and made him a slave.
He became closer to God while in captivity for six years. In a dream, he said he was told by God that he should flee from captivity and go to the coast. There, he was able to board a ship and return to Britain.
He joined a monastery to study for the next twelve years. During this training, he was called by God to convert pagans to Christianity.
Patrick was very successful in his efforts and established monasteries across Ireland. Schools and churches were also set up to help support his ministry. Patrick retired after serving his mission for thirty years. He died on March 17th in 461AD. That is the day that has been commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day.
The shamrock is a traditional icon of the day. They say that Patrick used the three leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity during his sermons. The three leaves represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and Montserrat. It is also celebrated in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand and the United States. The first United States Saint Patrick’s Day celebration was held in Boston during the year of 1737.
