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History and Life of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick, c.389-461, the patron of Ireland, was a bishop and missionary. He was born in Roman Britain and, at the age of 16, was captured and sold into slavery in Ireland. During his captivity he turned to religion. After 6 years of labor as a shepherd, Patrick escaped to the Continent. He returned to Britain at the age of 22, determined to convert the Irish to Christianity. This goal led him to Gaul, where he studied,
was ordained (c.417) to the diaconate, and spent 15 years in the church of Auxerre. His first nomination as bishop to the Irish was rejected because of a sin in his youth. On the death of PALLADIUSappointed first bishop of the Irish in 431 by Pope Celestine IPatrick was ordained a bishop (432) and set out for Ireland.
Although opposed by priests of the indigenous religion, Patrick secured toleration for Christians and, through active preaching, made important converts among the royal families. He developed a native clergy, fostered the growth of monasticism, established dioceses, and held church councils. Patrick's doctrine is considered orthodox and has been interpreted as anti-Pelagian. Although he is not particularly noted as a man of learning, a few of his writings remain extant: his Confession, a reply to his detractors, and several letters. The Lorica ("Breastplate"), a famous hymn attributed to Patrick, may date to a later period. Feast day: Mar. 17.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
-Irish Blessing
So why do we all wear green?
Probably because you'll be pinched if you don't! School children started this tradition. Green is also the color of spring, the shamrock and is connected with hope and nature.
