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17 Mar
Today is St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick (c. 5th century) was a Romano-British Christian missionary, known as the "Apostle of Ireland" and its primary patron saint. Kidnapped into slavery at 16, he later returned to Ireland to convert its people to Christianity. Contrary to legend, he did not drive snakes from Ireland, which never had them.
Key Facts About St. Patrick:
Origin: Born in Britain (not Ireland), likely named Maewyn Succat, he was captured by Irish raiders at 16 and spent six years as a slave in Ireland before escaping.
Mission: After returning home, he became a priest and eventually a bishop, returning to Ireland to preach and establish monasteries, schools, and churches.
The Shamrock: Legend says he used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
St. Patrick’s Day: March 17 marks the date of his death (c. 461 AD) in Saul, not his birth.
Colour Change: While associated with green today, St. Patrick was traditionally associated with the colour blue.
This is St. Patrick's flag.