Society has been sharing stories of St. Patrick for hundreds of years. The truth is his true story is quite mysterious. Researched has revealed very interesting details about this remarkable man. He is best known as a fifth-century Roman-British Christian Missionary in Ireland. During the second half of the fifth century St. Patrick was successful converting the Irish to Christianity. To this day he is still referred to as the founder of Christianity in Ireland.
When Patrick was about 16 years old he was captured from his home in Great Britain by Irish pirates. He was forced into slavery in Ireland and held captive for six years. St. Patrick’s writings revealed that he considered the time he spent in captivity working as a slave to be a critical moment in his life that led to his spiritual development. Patrick’s days were spent working in harsh environments that strengthened his spirituality and relationship with God. Patrick learned to pray and converted to Christianity during this time.
He eventually escaped Ireland and returned to his family. Once he returned home he became a cleric which prepared him to serve as a bishop later in his life. Patrick returned to western and northern Ireland to work as a missionary. He was so successful with his mission that he was named the patron saint of Ireland by the seventh century.
Legend credits St. Patrick with converting the Irish using a specific method that involved a three-leaf clover. Patrick would use the small three-leaf clover plant to explain the Holy Trinity naming each individual petal, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Due to his use of the clover plant, it is well known today and used as a symbol of celebration on St. Patrick’s Day. The end of St. Patrick’s life continues to remain a mystery. Although there is a lack of documentation regarding the death of St. Patrick, his birth date is considered to be March 17. Due to St. Patrick’s missionary work, bravery, and courage, he is honored throughout the world on this special day every year.
How can you relate to St. Patrick? Have you endured a difficult situation in your life that allowed you to gain strength and increase your faith? Often, it is the hard times in life that allow the soul to gain strength, understanding, patience, love, and faith. Developing a personal relationship with God is essential to human well-being. During difficult times prayer and determination are necessary to make it through life.