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 tasked with the larger duty of converting the majority population of pagans.

St. Patrick is predominantly known for using pagan symbolism to explain and practice Catholic beliefs. It is told that, when explaining the Trinity to a group of Irish pagans, he plucked a three-leafed clover from the ground to demonstrate the idea of three separate entities existing as a singular being. As the Irish pagans worshipped the sun and used it as a major force in their religious ceremonies, St. Patrick superimposed a circular orb behind a cross, creating what is not known as the Celtic cross. These effective tutorials and demonstrations helped spread Catholicism across the country, giving it the framework for the religious devotion it is known for today.'

St. Patrick died on March 17, 460 AD, giving the date for his current Feast day. As it is with Irish storytelling, the life of St. Patrick has evolved over the years to include vibrant fables and heroic legends. While folklore tells us that St. Patrick drove all snakes out of Ireland, geologists and scientists agree that there have never been snakes in Ireland. Traveling around Ireland, one will come across churches, bushes, mountains and streams that were all built or blessed by Patrick. Whether these stories are factual, it is a true testimony to the religious devotion of the Irish people and the historical significant of St. Patrick. St. Patrick's Day is one of the largest and most celebrated festivals in the world, he has become cultural icon, and many Irish people and Catholics celebrate his life and their affiliation with Ireland by wearing Trinity Knot jewelry and Celtic Cross pendants. The story of St. Patrick is one that has surpassed religious lessons and has imbedded itself in pop culture, fashion, and cultural affiliation.

St. Patrick, Man of Mystery

By: Leigh Maher

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