The Saints: St. Patirck

c. 389-461/ Feast - March 17

Born in Britain, Patrick was carried off by raiders and enslaved in Ireland. He became prayerful during six solitary years as a herdsman. After escaping, he made his way to Gaul, on the continent, where he trained as a priest. In a dream he was called to evangelize Ireland, and in about 432 returned as a bishop. For nearly 30 years he was the apostle to the Irish, bringing an organized Church into existence in a pagan land. Toward the end of his life he made a 40-day retreat in Mayo that gave rise to the famous ongoing Croagh Patrick pilgrimages.      © CNS           © 2008 CNS               © 2006 CNS      © 2002 CN      © 2007 CNS