St. Patrick's Day

Almost 1500 years ago the patron saint and national hero of Ireland was born to a Gaelic family who had migrated to Britain. The child was called Succat, which means "warlike". Since Britain waspart of the Roman Empire and had become Christian, the child was baptized and called Patricius,meaning "noble". For 16 years, Patrick lived a normal life as the son of a prosperous landownerand magistrate.

Captured and forced into slavery, Patrick spent 6 years herding sheep. What is known is that he escaped.What is also known, is that after a period of time, Patrick returned to Ireland to do missionary work.

On his return to Ireland, Patrick was a missionarywho worked for 40 years in Ireland, preaching, baptizing, and establishing churches, schools, and colleges.History reports that he used shamrock leaves to explain the meaning of the Trinity. It is also stated that hedrove snakes from Ireland, banishing the venomous serpents by beating his drum. It is sometimes reportedthat St. Patrick died on March 17, 493 after bringing the Christian faith to Ireland. This date is not confirmed.

The first Irish celebrations on the date of St. Patrick's death were noisy affairs. As the Irish emigrated aroundthe world, they took the St. Pat's celebration with them, and today parades are held in some of the unlikeliestplaces you can imagine.

The Irish heritage has had a profound influence on our nation. Nine of the people who signed our Declaration ofIndependence were of Irish origin, and nineteen Presidents of the United States proudly claim Irish heritage --including our first President, George Washington.