We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. St. Patrick, the Patron saint of Ireland, brought Christianity to Ireland. 

It is believed he was born in Roman Britain (what is now Britain under Roman rule) to a deacon father. He was kidnapped at 16 and made a slave to Gaelic Ireland for six years and found God in this time. He escaped back home, became a priest, returned to Ireland with Christianity. 

There are a number of “legends” regarding St. Patrick. Some teach that he used the shamrock, a small, three-leafed plant, to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity. The shamrock is one of the most notable symbols in celebrating the Feast of St. Patrick. While there is not much evidence for snakes in Ireland in the time of St. Patrick’s life, he is said to have banished all snakes from Ireland. However, this could be a metaphor for banishing the pagan Druids when he brought Christianity to the Irish people. 

We celebrate St. Patrick on March 17 as that is believed to be the date of his death. In the United States, we often celebrate by attending Mass, wearing green, parades and parties.