Every year I read to my school children book after book about St. Patrick & remember what a great Saint he was and what an interesting story he had. Amazing how someone who's actually from Britian could become the patron Saint of Ireland.
Kidnapped as a youngster (after living a typical youthful life of mischief), he was brought to Ireland where he was sold as a slave and made to heard sheep for his master. Upon being taken away from all luxuries and family he was accustomed to back home, he began to pray a LOT until God became his everything. He prayed to be saved and after 6 long years of prayer and slavery... eventually escaped (after first having to walk 200 miles to the ship which would rescue him). He went to France upon his freedom and studied to become a priest and then was made a bishop... where he was renamed "Patricius" (or Patrick... some say his original name was Maewyn) When he was home he would have dreams where the people from Ireland would call to him to "Come walk among us again" and he knew he was meant to return. (Can you imagine going back to the people who made you a slave???) He did. He returned and built churches and schools. Although many times he was met with opposition and his life was sought after frequently... many people grew to love him and become converted to the Catholic faith from his kind example and God's grace working through him. He died on March 17th... thus the reason we remember him on that day.
I just think he's a pretty awesome Saint and great example of perserverance and missionary heart. St. Patrick... pray for us!
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