The enduring legends of St. Patrick are that he used a shamrock to explain the Trinity and that he banished the snakes from Ireland that they all went into the sea and drowned. However, there were never any snakes -- or other reptiles for that matter -- in Ireland for St. Patrick to chase out. The basis of this legend probably lies in the origin of the snake as a pagan symbol. The legend tells the figurative tale of St. Patrick's driving paganism out of Ireland. The true story of Patrick, however, survives not in his myths but in his work. Patrick was responsible for converting the people of Ireland to Christianity.
Patrick was born around 373 AD in either Scotland, near the town of Dumbarton, or in Roman Britain. Little is known about St. Patrick, including his birth and death dates. March 17 is traditionally considered to be one of the two, although there is no documentation to corroborate this.
Patrick was kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16 and sold into slavery in Ireland. During the 6 years he spent in captivity, he began to have religious visions, and found strength in his faith. He finally escaped and went to France, where he became a priest and later a bishop. After escaping, he had a vision of the Irish beseeching him to return to Ireland to spread his faith. Patrick recorded this call to his vocation in the 'Confessio', his spiritual autobiography and one of his two short writings that have survived.
After studying in continental monasteries, Patrick returned to Ireland as a missionary. Despite a constant threat to his life, Patrick traveled widely, baptizing, confirming, and preaching and building churches and schools, and monasteries. Patrick succeeded in converting almost the entire population of the island.. Patrick's writings have come to be appreciated for their simplicity and humility.
St. Patrick predates the Roman Catholic Church, and was considered a "saint'' before the Roman church created its list of saints and included him in it. Patrick's real name is believed to be Maewyn Succat. He adopted the name Patrick, or Patricus, after he became a priest.
The phrase "Erin Go Braugh" means Ireland Forever!
