a son of a British Deacon he was abducted and lived in captivity in Ireland, he had to work as a shepherd outside, far away from everyone.. scared and alone he turned to his faith and became a very devout Christian...
according to his writing, a voice—which he believed to be God's—spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland.
to do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. after escaping to Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation—an angel in a dream told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than 15 years. after his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission: to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish.
familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs, like superimposing a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish.
the Irish culture centered around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick's life became exaggerated over the centuries—spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life.
Ireland has always fascinated me... it is especially sad that I have not been there yet.. I have read many historic novels and historic books and I love the way everything looks so very green..
today is St. Patricks Day and many are celebrating... I have said before I rather was Irish... and it is true..
well, one of these days I might just have to travel to Ireland ... and maybe I will then get a chance to celebrate St. Paddy's day myself...
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
