Saint Patrick  Fundo Escuro Also known as: Apostle of Ireland, Maewyn Succat, Patricius, Patrizio. Memorial: March, 17th Profile: Kidnapped from the British mainland when he was around 16 years old, and shippedd to Ireland as a slave. Sent to the mountains as a shepherd he spent his free time in prayer. After six years of this life, he had a dream in which he was commanded to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he scaped. He studied in several monasteries in Europe. He became a priest and a bishop. He was sent by the pope Saint Celestine to evangelize England, then Ireland, during which his chariot driver was Saint Odran, and Saint Jarlath was one of his spiritual students. In 33 years he effectively converted the Irish people. In the Middle Ages Ireland became konwn as the Land of Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the great repositories of knowledge in Europe, as a consequence of Patrick's ministry. People say he expelled all the snakes from Ireland where there are no snakes at all till today. By other tradition the color green is one of Saint Patrick symbols. Born: 387 or 390 at Scotland as Maewyn Succat. Died: 461 or 464 at Saul, County Down, Ireland Names: Succat - pagan birth name Patricius - baptismal name Representation: |
Saint
Patrick expelling the snakes Shamrock St.Patrick's Celtic Cross |
