St. Patrick, Man of Mystery
Every March 17th, throngs of Irish natives, descendents, and Hibernophiles converge in the streets in 40 shades of green. Developing into a “season” of cultural pride, festivity, and merriment, St. Patrick’s Day honors the life of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. While he has become somewhat of an Irish celebrity, much of what the average person knows about St. Patrick revolves around folklore and tall tales. Why is he a saint? What was his profession? Did he really drive the snakes out of Ireland?
St. Patrick, although heralded as a true Irishman, was actually born in the Roman territory now known as England and southern Scotland. Born to a wealthy family in 460 AD, St. Patrick was kidnapped by Niall of the Nine Hostages and sent to Ireland, where he was sold into slavery and set to work as a sheep herder in present-day Antrim or Mayo. During his 6 years of slavery, St. Patrick slowly became increasingly devout and always maintained the hope that he would return to his birth country. Stories tell that one night St. Patrick heard a voice telling him that it was time to return to his homeland, and that a ship would be ready for him. The next day, St. Patrick escaped 200 miles to Wexford, where he came across a ship bound for England. After talking to the captain and praying for passage, he was stowed aboard.
After finding himself safely in England once again, St. Patrick heard the voice again, telling him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Patrick began religious training at the Monastery of Auxerre, France. Over the course of 15 years he was ordained as a priest. After his ordination, he was sent as a missionary to Ireland, where he was charged with serving the small population of Ireland, but also