St Patrick

Also known as Maewyn Succat; Apostle of Ireland; Patricius; Patrizio

Memorial
17 March

Profile
St. Patrick was kidnapped from the British mainland around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. Sent to the mountains as a shepherd, he spent his time in prayer. After six years of this life, he received had a dream in which he a command to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he escaped. He is believed to have studied in continental monasteries, he became a priest and then was made a Bishop and was sent by 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 Ireland probably with the help of other missionaries and those who were converted by him. In the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the great repositories of learning in Europe, all a consequence of Patrick's ministry. He is believed to have died 461-464 at Saul, County Down, Ireland

His name means 'warlike' (Succat - pagan birth name); 'noble' (Patricius - baptismal name)

Patronage
He is the patron saint of another National School of our parish, St. Patrick's National School, Calry. He is patron of Ireland. Because of the story that he had driven snakes from the Irish shores he is the saint invoked against snakes. He is also patron of the archdiocese of Boston Massachusetts, diocese of Burlington Vermont, diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, archdiocese of New York, diocese of Norwich, diocese of Harrisburg, diocese of Portland, Maine, and the diocese of Sacramento, California. He is patron of engineers, excluded people, Pennsylvania, Nigeria, Connecticut.

Representation
He is recognised in images as a bishop driving snakes before him; a bishop trampling on snakes; a shamrock; harp; baptismal font.

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