A Brief History of St. Patrick

Everyone has heard of St. Patrick’s Day, or better known as St. Paddy’s Day.  It’s one of—in my opinion—the greatest holidays to ever exist.  Everyone who knows of St. Patrick’s Day, has heard the name of St. Patrick…but do you know who he really was? Let’s learn a little about him.  

Contrary to what many believe, St. Patrick was not Irish. Maewyn Succat, his original name, was born in Britannia (Britain) in the year 386 AD. When he was sixteen years old, he was kidnapped, brought to Ireland, and enslaved. There, after years of suffering, he eventually escaped back to Britannia. What kept him going through it all was his faith. 

Succat then reunited with his family and later became a priest, changing his name to Patrick. He became a missionary and returned to Ireland. During his time in Ireland, St. Patrick eventually became a Bishop. 

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In Ireland, he baptized thousands of people, converting many of the Irish people to Christianity. He was very humble, and rejected money which was offered to him time after time. After forty years of hard work for the Lord, St. Patrick passed away in Ireland on March 17, 461 AD. St. Patrick later was canonised a Saint—the Patron Saint of Ireland to be exact. 

Today, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day not just to remember St. Patrick, but for all of Ireland as well. We remember the good works that St. Patrick performed, as well as appreciate what he represents; Ireland. But as we celebrate, let us not forget what St. Patrick also represents—faith, kindness, and hard work. With those, we all can be better people, and more like St. Patrick. 

 

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick

https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick