Slavery Biographies | Patrick Saint Biography

Born c. 385
Britain
Died c. 461
Ireland

Christian missionary, patron saint of Ireland

Throughout the world Catholics and non-Catholics alike celebrate March 17 as St. Patrick's Day with parades, festivals, and other special events. The patron saint (holy protector) of Ireland, Patrick has become a legendary figure, yet the real-life Patrick had little in common with the mythical St. Patrick. Born in the late fourth century, he was actually a simple man who was sold into slavery as a teenager. He then served as a Catholic missionary in Ireland during the fifth century, spreading Christianity outside the Roman Empire (the Romans did not occupy Ireland). Nevertheless, he did perform the near-superhuman feat of converting virtually the entire Irish population. The most reliable source of information about Patrick is his Confession, which he wrote in Latin when he was an old man. He composed this...