Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick, a missionary in the 5th century, was credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He is now known as the patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned and was credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools.
Many legends surround him:
- He drove the snakes of Ireland into the sea to their destruction
- It has been reported that he prayed for much-needed food for sailors traveling and a herd of swine miraculously appeared.
- Patrick himself wrote that he raised 33 people from the dead
- The most popular legend is that Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) to unbelievers by showing them the three-leaved plant with one stalk.
Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts, which later evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking, and a whole lot of green.