Happy St. Patrick’s Day. But who was St. Patrick? Saint Patrick, c.389-c.461, is the patron saint of Ireland. He was a bishop and a missionary.

At the age of 16 he was captured and sold into slavery in Ireland. During his captivity he turned to religion for guidance and courage. After six long years of labour as a shepherd, Patrick escaped back to Britain at the age of 22.

Patrick was determined to convert the Irish to Christianity. Most Irish, before Patrick were Pagan; they followed no form of organized religion. The Irish were neither Christian nor Jewish. They were considered heathens.

It is believed that Patrick trained for the ministry in Britain, although later traditions say that he studied in Gaul, a region of old Europe which today include countries like France and Switzerland.

St. Patrick was ordained a bishop in 432 and set out for Ireland. His quest was considered very ambitious.

The feast day for St. Patrick is celebrated each year on March 1 to recognize the fact that he was successful in converting thousands of Irish people from paganism to Christianity.

To all our readers have a very happy St. Paddy's Day.