St. PATRICK'S DAY

St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, was born in Wales somewhere around 385 AD. With his given name Maeywn and his humble roots, he wandered about the countryside participating in pagan rites, and those of any 16 year old boy. During his exploits, he was captured by a band of thieves and sold into slavery. It was during this time of captivity it is thought that he was to "find" God.
He escaped, some six years into his new life, and made his way to Gaul where he began, for the next 12 years, to study under the guidance of St. Germain of Auxerre. Through Germain's influence, Maeywn adopted his Christian name "Patrick" and made plans to convert pagans for a living.
More than anything, he wanted to return to Ireland and work his "magic" amongst his own people, but crafty St. Palladius beat him to it. With time on his side, a few years passed and he found himself appointed 2nd Bishop of Ireland.
With his new calling he began preaching throughout Ireland, nearly escaping capture by unhappy Celts on a number of occasions and establishing monasteries and schools throughout the country.
Later lore describes him as having driven the snakes out of Ireland, a metaphorical reference to the conversion of snakehugging pagans. And like Santa, he is also remembered as having raised people from the dead. During his sermons he was said to use the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity and followers have been wearing them ever since.
His tenure as bishop was to last 30 years at which time he conveniently died March 17, 461 AD and some 1300 years later, the celebration was to arrive on the shores of North America and observed nation wide to this day.