Form: 3DBy: Ed

Ireland

Downpatrick

County Antrim

Croagh Patrick

• St Patrick really existed

• Born in Britain (probably in Wales) in 5th century AD

• His father, Calpornius, was a Roman official

• St Patrick was originally a pagan, not a Christian

• Taken to Ireland as a slave at age 16

• Escaped after 6 years

• Became a Christian priest, and later a Bishop

• Returned to Ireland as a missionary

• Played a major part in converting the Irish to Christianity

Facts in Brief

• Born in 387 AD at Banwen in Wales. • His original name was Maewyn Succat,

he became Patrick when he became a bishop.

• Studied in France at the monastery of St Martin's in Tours.

• Went to Ireland in 432 AD. • Died in 461 AD. • Taught by Saint Germaine

Doubtful Extra Facts

• Patrick’s family lived near the village of Bannavem Taburniae.

• Although his father was a deacon, Patrick was not a believer;

"I did not, indeed, know the true God".

The Life of Saint Patrick

Enslaved by Pirates° In his teens, Patrick was captured by a gang of

Irish pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. Patrick came to believe that this was a punishment for his lack of faith.

° He was put to work for six years herding sheep and pigs on Slemish mountain in County Antrim.

° While he was a shepherd, Patrick spent much of his time praying.

• He escaped after six years• He stowed away on a boat bound

for Britain, which landed near to his parent’s home.

• He followed his vocation and became a priest and after a dream was inspired to return to Ireland.

Escape

Return to Ireland

• He returned to Ireland as a Missionary.• He became the country’s second

bishop.• He brought the message to many who

had never heard it.• As a missionary Patrick baptised many thousands of people.

Return to Ireland• It was not easy!• Patrick was in great risk.• He was sometimes imprisoned by

local pagan chiefs.• At points he was desperate to

return home, but he knew his duty and remained in Ireland

Patrick’s Education• He understood Latin and English.• As a priest he also had to be able to

speak and understand Irish.

Patrick’s Mission• Patrick believed that when every nation

had heard the Gospel, Christ would return.

• He believed this to be the final step in God’s plan.

The Truth•St. Patrick was Irish? No he was British•St. Patrick was Irish? No he was British•St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland? Probably not, there’s good evidence that there were believers in the country before-hand.

•St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland? Probably not, there’s good evidence that there were believers in the country before-hand.• St. Patrick drove the snakes out

of Ireland? No, he didn’t, there was no evidence of snakes two

centuries before his arrival.

St. Patrick’s Legacy

• St. Patrick’s day 2000, there was a pilgrimage from Saul Church, where he reputedly built his first church, to Downpatrick's magnificent Church of Ireland Cathedral.

• There are also many Holy Wells associated with St. Patrick. People go there to make wishes for good health or to pray for cures for diseases.

Skellig Isles

• Situated 8 miles off the western coast of Ireland.

• Originally called Sceilig Mhichíl• It's monastic remains have been

declared a World Heritage Site • It ranks with the likes of the Pyramids,

the Great Wall of China.

Skellig Isles

Croagh Patrick• One of the great pilgrimages in honour

of St. Patrick. • Croagh Patrick is a mountain

overlooking Clew Bay in County Mayo. • On March 17th, up to 40,000 people climb it.• Many walk barefoot!• It is also known as “The Reek.”• 2,150 feet high.

• The tradition stretches back over 5,000 years from the stone age.

• On the summit, St. Patrick fasted for 40 days in 441 AD.

• Individuals and groups come from all over the world.

• Participants include, pilgrims, hill climbers, historians, archaeologists and nature lovers.

Croagh Patrick

St. Patrick’s Legacy

• There are three good-luck traditions associated with St. Patrick's Day:

• Finding a four leaf clover, Druids believed that they helped them to spot witches.

• Wearing Green, it represents the shamrock and the spring.

• Kissing the Blarney stone, brings the “kisser” persuasive eloquence. (Blarney)

St. Patrick’s day in America

• St. Patrick's Day is traditionally a religious holiday in Ireland, but in America, it has become a day of fun and celebration.

• Over 100 U.S. cities now hold Saint Patrick's Day parades