Saint Patrick
By Mary Long
St. Patrick was believed to be born in
the late 4th century. He is the patron saint and national apostle of
Ireland. He is credited with promoting Christianity throughout Ireland.
St. Patrick is known for his spiritual
biography, called the Confession, and
his literary work the Epistola, the
denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish Christians.
St. Patrick is also credited with
driving out paganism from Ireland, he was known for “driving the snakes from
Ireland.” The serpents or snakes were the idols that the pagans had worshiped.
Patrick was said to be responsible for
the baptism of the Druid warrior chief and his clan at the “Holy Wells,” which
still bears its name today. It was stated that thousands were baptized here.
There are several accounts of how St.
Patrick died. The most well known is that he died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland
on March 17th, 460 AD.
The celebration of St. Patrick's Day
became associated with everything Irish. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain
the trinity to the local pagans hence becoming the National flower of Ireland.
People celebrate by wearing green, attending parades and bellying up to the
local pub to consume some green ale. Although the parades and shamrocks are
fun, the fundamental meaning behind St. Patricks day is traditionally for
spiritual renewal and the offering of prayers for missionaries worldwide.
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