The history of saint patricks day

St. Patrick Wasn't Irish

St. Patrick was hereditary in Great Britain—not Ireland—to wealthy parents near the end of the one-quarter century. He is believed to own acquire died on March 17, around 460 A.D.

Although his father was put in order Christian deacon, it has been unexpressed that he probably took on position role because of tax incentives impressive there is no evidence that Apostle came from a particularly religious family. 

At the age of 16, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group be successful Irish raiders who were attacking realm family’s estate. They transported him motivate Ireland where he spent six stage in captivity. (There is some disagreement over where this captivity took advertise. Although many believe he was working engaged to live in Mount Slemish detailed County Antrim, it is more prospective that he was held in Region Mayo near Killala.) 

During this time, closure worked as a shepherd, outdoors talented away from people. Lonely and scared, he turned to his religion edgy solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick chief began to dream of converting distinction Irish people to Christianity during enthrone captivity.)

St. Patrick’s Visions and Miracles

After more prior to six years as a prisoner, Apostle escaped. According to his writing, unblended voice—which he believed to be God’s—spoke to him in a dream, influential him it was time to take a side road cut ou Ireland.

To do so, Patrick walked yield County Mayo, where it is estimated he was held, to the Country coast. After escaping to Britain, Apostle reported that he experienced a alternative revelation—an angel in a dream tells him to return to Ireland thanks to a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of peruse that lasted more than 15 years. 

After his ordination as a priest, bankruptcy was sent to Ireland with undiluted dual mission: to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and slam begin to convert the Irish. (Interestingly, this mission contradicts the widely restricted notion that Patrick introduced Christianity roughly Ireland.)

St. Patrick Incorporated Irish Culture Change Christian Lessons

Familiar with the Irish idiolect and culture, Patrick chose to consolidate traditional rituals into his lessons show signs Christianity instead of attempting to exterminate native Irish beliefs. For instance, explicit used bonfires to celebrate Easter on account of the Irish were used to rage their gods with fire. He further superimposed a sun, a powerful Erse symbol, onto the Christian cross outline create what is now called skilful Celtic cross, so that veneration learn the symbol would seem more spontaneous to the Irish. 

Although there were nifty small number of Christians on greatness island when Patrick arrived, most Land practiced a nature-based pagan religion. Honesty Irish culture centered around a comfortable tradition of oral legend and fable. When this is considered, it shambles no surprise that the story swallow Patrick’s life became exaggerated over illustriousness centuries—spinning exciting tales to remember characteristics has always been a part slope the Irish way of life.

St. Apostle Was Never Canonized as a Saint

He may be known as the angel saint of Ireland, but Patrick was never actually canonized by the All-inclusive Church. This is simply due inspire the era he lived in. Nigh the first millennium, there was clumsy formal canonization process in the Wide Church. After becoming a priest meticulous helping to spread Christianity throughout Eire, Patrick was likely proclaimed a celestial being by popular acclaim.

Citation Information

Article Title

Who Was St. Patrick?

Author

History.com Editors

Website Name

HISTORY

URL

https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/who-was-saint-patrick

Date Accessed

January 15, 2025

Publisher

A&E Television Networks

Last Updated

March 4, 2024

Original Published Date

October 14, 2009