Saint Patrick facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Patrick
Stained-glass window of St. Patrick from Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Junction City, Ohio
Born	Roman Britain
Venerated in	Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion Lutheran Churches
Major shrine	Armagh, Northern Ireland Glastonbury Abbey, England
Feast	March 17 (Saint Patrick's Day)
Patronage	Ireland, Nigeria, Montserrat, Archdiocese of New York, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, Boston, Rolla, Missouri, Loíza, Puerto Rico, Murcia (Spain), Clann Giolla Phádraig, engineers, paralegals, Archdiocese of Melbourne; chased away snakes, sins

Saint Patrick (about 402 - March 17, 491) is a very important saint for Ireland. He is known as the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in a village in Roman Britain. Saint Patrick came from a Christian family. His father, Calpurnius, was a deacon in the church.

Saint Patrick's Early Life and Capture

When Patrick was about sixteen years old, his life changed forever. He was captured by Irish pirates. They took him from his home in Britain. Then they sold him as a slave in Ireland.

Patrick lived in Ireland for six years. During this time, he learned the local language. He worked as a shepherd. He also spent a lot of time praying and grew closer to God. He felt that God had forgiven his sins. This helped him become a stronger Christian.

Patrick's Escape and Return Home

After six years, Patrick heard a voice. It told him he would soon go home. The voice also said his ship was ready. He ran away from his master. He traveled two hundred miles to a port. There, he found a ship. He convinced the captain to take him on board.

The ship sailed for three days. They landed in what they thought was Britain. Everyone left the ship. They walked for 28 days in a wild area. They became very hungry. Patrick prayed for food. Soon after, they saw a group of wild boar. This made his friends trust him more. After many adventures, he finally returned home. He was in his early twenties.

Saint Patrick's Mission in Ireland

After returning home, Patrick became a cleric. This means he became a church leader. He then went back to Ireland as a missionary. A missionary teaches people about their faith. Because he knew the Irish language, he could easily talk to the people.

Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. He helped many pagans become Christians. He also spoke to many Irish leaders and druids. One famous leader was Chief Aodhan. Saint Patrick eventually led Chief Aodhan to Christ. They then worked together to convert many other pagans.

Saint Patrick's Day Celebration

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated every year. It happens on March 17. This day honors Saint Patrick and his work.

The Bell of Saint Patrick

The Shrine of St. Patrick's Bell

There is a special bell in the National Museum of Ireland. It was made around the time Saint Patrick lived. People in Ireland believe this bell belonged to him. They say he rang it to call people to church.

One of the kings of Ulster was the high king of Ireland. He had a beautiful cover made for the bell. This cover was made of gold and gems. The names of Ireland's bishops were engraved on it. The style of letters on this cover later inspired the first typewriters.

Saint Patrick and the Snakes of Ireland

Patrick depicted with shamrock in detail of stained glass window in St. Benin's Church, Kilbennan, County Galway, Ireland

Today, there are no snakes in Ireland. But there is a famous legend about Saint Patrick. It says that at his time, there were many snakes. The legend claims he chased them all into the Irish Sea.

Some people think this legend has a deeper meaning. In ancient times, some pagans had snake tattoos. The legend might mean that Saint Patrick got rid of pagan religions. By teaching Christianity, he "drove out the snakes" from Ireland.

The Holy Trinity and the Shamrock

Saint Patrick is also famous for teaching about the Holy Trinity. This is a Christian idea about God being three-in-one. He used a three-leafed shamrock to explain this idea. Each leaf represented one part of God. Because of this, shamrocks are a very important symbol for St. Patrick’s Day.

Famous Quotes from Saint Patrick

• “And He (God) watched over me before I knew Him and before I learned sense or even distinguished between good and evil.”
• “I pray to God to give me perseverance and to deign that I be a faithful witness to Him to the end of my life for my God.”
• "For that sun, which we see rising every day, rises at His command."
• “Each and all shall render account for even our smallest sins before the judgement seat of Christ the Lord.”
• "If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God."
• "But I fear nothing, because of the promises of heaven."
• "Luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’ve prepared for it."
• "I have a Creator who knew all things, even before they were made - even me, his poor little child."
• "May the blessing of each day be the blessings you need most."

Interesting Facts About Saint Patrick

• Saint Patrick's birth name was Maewyn Succat.
• He was born in Britain, not Ireland.
• He studied for many years before becoming a missionary.
• The name Patrick means "nobleman."
• Patrick helped introduce the Celtic cross. This cross includes a circle, like the sun. It became a national symbol of Ireland.
• Saint Patrick's Day did not become a huge celebration until the 1970s.

Images for kids

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  Saint Patrick's Day in Buenos Aires (Argentina)

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  Late Roman Britain

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  Patrick banishing the snakes

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  Saint Patrick sent to Ireland by the Pope; wall mosaic in St Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny

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  Icon of Saint Patrick from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, Wayne, WV

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  St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, as seen from Rockefeller Center

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  Patrick showing cross pattée on his robes

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  Traditional Saint Patrick's Day badges from the early twentieth century, from the Museum of Country Life, Castlebar

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  Logo of Down District Council showing the cross pattée

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  Slemish, County Antrim, traditionally associated with Saint Patrick's time as a shepherd slave

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  Saint Patrick's statue at Saul, County Down

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  Saint Patrick's Oratory at the top of Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

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  Stone found below St. Patrick's Well. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

See also

In Spanish: Patricio de Irlanda para niños