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Patrick,
born with the name Succat in the late fourth century, was the
son of a Welsh/Italian civil servant. His father was also the
deacon of their church, and they lived on a farm by the sea.
One day, pirates came and abducted young Patrick and carted
him off to Ireland where he was made a slave. After six years
as a shepherd, he began to hear voices telling him that an act
of bravery would set him free. He ran away, traveled 200 miles,
boarded a ship despite the reluctance of its crew and sailed
for three days, landing in uninhabited territory. After a month-long
quest, he finally found civilization and sailed for home. He
became a priest and began having visions urging him to go back
to Ireland. He returned to the land of his captivity and proselytized
the pagan, sun-worshipping Irish Druids, using a shamrock to
illustrate the Holy Trinity. Patrick built churches across Ireland
which, because of his own lack of schooling, focused on education,
and he helped to decode laws concerning slavery and taxation
of the poor. According to legend, Patrick drove the snakes out
of Ireland with a staff given to him by Jesus. Many people believe
that he will lead the “saved” souls of Ireland to
Heaven. Patrick is also the patron of Nigeria; and he's invoked
against snakes. His feast day is March 17. |
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| St.
Patrick
Patron St. of
Ireland |
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