Saint Patrick

Stored in Cargo: Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick
Feast Day	March 17
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Ireland, Nigeria, Montserrat, engineers, excluded people, snake-catchers
Birthplace	Roman Britain (likely near present-day Carlisle, England or Scotland)
Death Place	Saul, County Down, Ireland
Cause of Death	Natural Causes
Primary Shrine	Down Cathedral, Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland

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.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Roman Britain (likely near present-day Carlisle, England or Scotland)
• Death location: Saul, County Down, Ireland
• Notable location:
• Notable location:
• Notable location:
• Notable location:
• Notable location:

Death

He died peacefully, having significantly impacted the spread of Christianity in Ireland.

Parishes

Saint Patrick
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href=\"\/wiki\/St._Patrick_Parish_(Archdiocese_of_Louisville)\" title=\"St. Patrick Parish (Archdiocese of Louisville)\"\u003ESt. Patrick Parish (Archdiocese of Louisville)\u003C\/a\u003E","lat":38.2518,"lon":-85.6299,"otherValues":{"Dedication":"\u003Ca class=\"mw-selflink selflink\"\u003ESaint Patrick\u003C\/a\u003E","City":"\u003Ca href=\"\/w\/index.php?title=Louisville,_KY&action=edit&redlink=1\" class=\"new\" title=\"Louisville, KY (page does not exist)\"\u003ELouisville, KY\u003C\/a\u003E"}},{"name":"St. Patrick Parish (Archdiocese of Omaha)","title":"\u003Ca href=\"\/wiki\/St._Patrick_Parish_(Archdiocese_of_Omaha)\" title=\"St. Patrick Parish (Archdiocese of Omaha)\"\u003ESt. Patrick Parish (Archdiocese of Omaha)\u003C\/a\u003E","lat":41.2564,"lon":-96.2336,"otherValues":{"Dedication":"\u003Ca class=\"mw-selflink selflink\"\u003ESaint Patrick\u003C\/a\u003E","City":"\u003Ca href=\"\/w\/index.php?title=Elkhorn,_NE&action=edit&redlink=1\" class=\"new\" title=\"Elkhorn, NE (page does not exist)\"\u003EElkhorn, NE\u003C\/a\u003E"}},{"name":"St. Patrick Parish (Diocese of Manchester)","title":"\u003Ca href=\"\/wiki\/St._Patrick_Parish_(Diocese_of_Manchester)\" title=\"St. Patrick Parish (Diocese of Manchester)\"\u003ESt. Patrick Parish (Diocese of Manchester)\u003C\/a\u003E","lat":42.7606,"lon":-71.4675,"otherValues":{"Dedication":"\u003Ca class=\"mw-selflink selflink\"\u003ESaint Patrick\u003C\/a\u003E","City":"\u003Ca href=\"\/w\/index.php?title=Nashua,_NH&action=edit&redlink=1\" class=\"new\" title=\"Nashua, NH (page does not exist)\"\u003ENashua, NH\u003C\/a\u003E"}},{"name":"St. Patrick Parish (Diocese of Rockford)","title":"\u003Ca href=\"\/wiki\/St._Patrick_Parish_(Diocese_of_Rockford)\" title=\"St. Patrick Parish (Diocese of Rockford)\"\u003ESt. Patrick Parish (Diocese of Rockford)\u003C\/a\u003E","lat":42.2768,"lon":-89.1088,"otherValues":{"Dedication":"\u003Ca class=\"mw-selflink selflink\"\u003ESaint Patrick\u003C\/a\u003E","City":"\u003Ca 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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.

External links

• Catholic Online - Saint Patrick
• Wikipedia - Saint Patrick
• Britannica - Saint Patrick