We all know that Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and that on March 17th we celebrate him – even if some of us do so more for fun than for religious reasons. Only two letters written by Patrick, the “Confession” and the “Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus,” survive. They are considered to be the best sources about his life. With such little evidence, it's difficult to know much about Ireland's patron saint, but these are the details generally accepted by historians and those interested in Irish history and folklore.
Patrick was most likely born sometime in the late fourth or early fifth century in the final days of Roman-controlled Britain. Although the son of a Christian deacon, he was not a religious boy. At age 16, he was captured by Irish raiders who took him back to the Emerald Isle. For six lonely, cold years, he tended to sheep as a slave. During these years, he turned to faith and constantly prayed to God.
Read Full Article »