Saint Patrick
| Saint Patrick | |
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| Saint | Saint Patrick |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | c. 385 |
| Birthplace | Roman Britain (likely near present-day Carlisle, England or Scotland) |
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| Deathdate | March 17, 461 |
| Death Place | Saul, County Down, Ireland |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Natural Causes |
| Notable Location 1 | Armagh, Ireland (considered his ecclesiastical capital) |
| Notable Location 1 Coordinates | |
| Notable Location 2 | Saul, County Down, Ireland (site of his first church) |
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| Beatification Date | Not formally beatified |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes (traditional recognition) |
| Canonization Date | Not formally canonized |
| Canonized by | |
| Canonization Location | |
| Miracle 1 | Banishing snakes from Ireland |
| Miracle 2 | Explanation of the Holy Trinity using a shamrock |
| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | March 17 |
| Profession | Evangelist, Bishop |
| Religious Affiliation | Early Christian Church |
| Patronage | Ireland, Nigeria, Montserrat, engineers, excluded people, snake-catchers |
| Attributes | Shamrock, crozier, mitre, snakes |
| Primary Shrine | Down Cathedral, Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland |
| Additional Veneration | |
Saint Patrick, known as the Apostle of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most celebrated figures, credited with the conversion of Ireland to Christianity in the fifth century. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped at the age of sixteen and taken as a slave to Ireland, where he eventually escaped but returned years later as a missionary.
His mission was centered around teaching the Irish about Christianity, founding numerous churches, and ordaining clergy. Legends about Patrick include driving all the snakes from Ireland and using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. His writings, including the "Confessio" and "Letter to Coroticus," provide some of the few firsthand accounts of life in that period.
Biography
Birth
Patrick was born around 385 AD in Roman Britain, though the exact location is debated, possibly near modern-day Carlisle or in Scotland.
Early Life
Originally named Maewyn Succat, he was captured by Irish raiders and spent six years in slavery before escaping back to Britain.
Occupation
After becoming a priest and later a bishop, his main occupation was missionary work in Ireland.
Vocation
Inspired by a vision, he returned to Ireland to spread Christianity, baptizing thousands, ordaining priests, and establishing monasteries.
Death
Patrick died on March 17, 461, in Saul, County Down, Ireland, where he had built his first church.
Significant events
- His capture and enslavement in Ireland, followed by his escape and subsequent return as a missionary.
- The use of the shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity to the Irish.
- Founding of the see at Armagh, which became the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.
Death
He died peacefully, having significantly impacted the spread of Christianity in Ireland.
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
His recognition as a saint was traditional, based on his missionary work and the miracles attributed to him.
Venerable
Not applicable; the title was formalized later.
Beatification
Not formally beatified; his sanctity was recognized through widespread veneration.
Canonization
Patrick was not formally canonized but is universally recognized as a saint due to his contributions to Christianity.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable; his recognition was traditional.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; however, his life was surrounded by legendary accounts:
- Banishing snakes from Ireland - symbolic of eradicating paganism.
- Using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.
Other notable miracles
- Numerous legends of healings and conversions attributed to his intercession.
Patronage
Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, Nigeria, Montserrat, engineers, excluded people, and snake-catchers.
Feast day
Saint Patrick's feast day is celebrated on March 17, known worldwide as St. Patrick's Day.
Veneration
His veneration includes parades, festivals, and wearing green, especially in Irish communities worldwide. His relics are believed to be at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, though their exact location is uncertain.
Books
Written about the saint
- Numerous biographies and historical accounts, including "The Life of Saint Patrick" by Muirchú moccu Machtheni.
Written by the saint
- "Confessio" - his autobiography.
- "Letter to Coroticus" - condemning the slave trade and the murder of newly baptized Christians.