Saint Patrick (493)

Saint Patrick, the glorious apostle of Ireland, was born in France, in the year 387. His father was an official of the Roman government. His mother’s brother was Saint Martin Bishop of Tours. When Saint Patrick was almost sixteen years old, he was captured by pirates and brought to Ireland, where he met the people who would one day be his spiritual children. Saint Patrick was miraculously freed and returned to France. He was sent back to Ireland in 432 as a bishop by Saint Celestine, the Pope. Saint Patrick’s most noted spiritual daughter in Ireland was Saint Bridget, called “the Mary of the Gael.” Saint Patrick drove all the snakes — symbols of the devil — out of Ireland. He raised thirty-three persons from the dead. By making the sign of the cross, he caused the earth to swallow up a heathen who mocked the virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Patrick’s charioteer, Saint Odran, was martyred in place of him by some Celtic heathens. Saint Patrick was one hundred and six years old when he died. Saint Patrick, Saint Bridget and Saint Columbkille are all buried together and are the patron saints of Ireland.

Saint Patrick of Ireland

Saint Patrick of Ireland