St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and the Irish. He was born
about 389 A.D. in Northern Wales, which at that time may have been part
of England or Scotland. Saint Patrick had an adventurous life. He was captured by pirates at the age of 16. Six years of slavery made him a devoted Christian. He escaped to France and became a monk. In 432, a vision led him to return to Ireland as a missionary bishop. He brought Christianity to Ireland and taught there for 29 years. He used the shamrock, a 3 leaf clover, (Ireland's national flower) to explain the Blessed Trinity.
There are many stories about this popular saint. One of the most popular legends was how he charmed all the snakes of Ireland down to the seashore to be drowned by the water.
St. Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D. The anniversary of his death is celebrated as St. Patrick's Day.
Today St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish as well as many Americans with parades, parties, wearing of green, Irish songs and jigs. People wear green on this day to represent the lushness of Ireland - The Emerald Isle.
Capture the irish symbols: Ireland's flag, celtic cross, shamrock, harp.
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