by Georgevine Moss
The story goes that when he was 16 years of age, St. Patrick was captured from his wealthy home in England and was sent as a slave in Ireland, where he endured hunger and harsh conditions.
Then he escaped and went back home.
As the story is told, he managed to get through his years of captivity by praying. And so once again free and with a rooted belief in God and Christ, shaped and molded by his experience in Ireland, he set off to study until he became a bishop.
But his religious journey was far from over. According to his own testimony, God gave him a mission through a dream. That mission was to return to Ireland and to spread the teachings of Christianity to the not-already converted pagans.
Though his story of captivity is being questioned by historians and the success of his mission in Ireland is thought of as potentially greatly exaggerated, his fame today as the Patron Saint of Ireland is unquestionable.
St. Patrick's day is celebrated by many around the world bringing into the spotlight all things Irish. So, today, if you see a river turn green, don't be alarmed. Have a drink and jump in the fun.
REFERENCES
St. Patrick Biography: http://www.biography.com/people/st-patrick-9434729?page=1
St. Patrick: "http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1325
Saint Patrick: http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-patrick/
About Saint Patrick: http://www.st-patricks-day.com/about_saintpatrick.html
St. Patrick: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11554a.htm
Is legend of St Patrick just a bit of blarney? He was a runaway tax collector turned slave trader, says expert, by DAVID WILKES:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2116153/St-Patricks-Day-legend-just-bit-blarney-He-runaway-tax-collector-turned-slave-trader.html
Check out this fun St. Patrick's Day T-Shirt!