Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in England in 387 and was captured and enslaved in Ireland for six years as a teenager, where he found religion. An angel appeared to him telling him his ship was ready, and he escaped, returning to England. He later studied to become a priest and bishop and was sent to Ireland to spread Christianity, where he had great success, converting most of Ireland and building churches and schools before his death in 461.

1. Saint Patrick Patron Saint of Ireland By Jake Lacava Feast day March 17 th

2. Early Years Born in 387 in England Raised by a well to do English family Studied Latin and theology as a youth Nothing about him that indicated a future of greatness

3. Patrick as a slave It was around Patrick’s 16 th birthday and a band of Irish Pirates came to Ireland on a rage. They captured Patrick and turned him into a slave. He spent 6 years managing pigs for an Irish chieftain. Patrick became very religious in his captivity. He prayed 100 prayers a day, and almost the same at night.

4. An Angel appears to Patrick One night close to morning an angel appeared to Patrick. She said “Well do you pray, and well do you fast. Your ship is waiting for you”.

5. Patrick makes his escape Immediately Patrick ran away. He ran nearly 200 miles to an Irish seaport where a group of sailors agreed to sail him home.

6. Patrick returns to England After six years Patrick was finally home and reunited with his family an friends. At home he began to awaken by voices that implored me to return and save the souls of the Irish.

7. Patrick sets sail Immediately Patrick set sail to study the holy orders under Saint Germanus of Auxerre in France. After finishing his studies Patrick asked the church to send him to Ireland but instead they chose the first bishop, Palladius. A year or two later Palladius died. They finally sent Patrick to Ireland to replace the dead bishop.

8. Patrick in Ireland Patrick decided to concentrate his work on the northern and western parts of Ireland. After he had preached he spent most of his time building churches, monasteries, opening schools and introducing the Latin language to the Irish.

9. After Patrick’s death By the time of Patrick's death in 461 nearly the entire island converted to Christianity. Never in the history of the church has there been a more successful missionary.

10. Saint Patrick’s Prayer You were an evangelical saint who came to love a people foreign to you with all your heart. Never once did you claim that your ways were superior to theirs or try to impose your will on others. I ask that you give me your ability to act toward others with sensitivity and care. Help me to learn to discern and share the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of my friends and love ones, of strangers and adversaries, so that I can act toward them in a loving way. I ask that the wisdom you gained in reaching out to strangers with humility and love become the essence of my spiritual life.