Not many people realize St. Patrick wasn't born in Ireland, in fact he was born in Britain. Some say he was born into a privileged family with his father being a deacon and minor local official.
It was at the age of 16 Pirates kidnapped him for a ransom and carried him away by ship to Ireland.
He spent six years working as a herdsman and depended upon his faith to see him through; apparently his father didn't pay a ransom for his son.
One night he had a dream which told him a ship was ready to return him to his family. He escaped his master and found passage to Britain.
He nearly starved and had a second brief captivity before he was reunited with his family.
In the Confessio, his spiritual autobiography he tells of another dream where he's given a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish." As he read it he seemed to hear a certain company of Irish beseeching him to walk once more among them.
He had doubts of his calling, but in the end did return to Ireland with confidence in the Lord to see him through.
After many years of service, Saint Patrick died in Ireland having fulfilled his calling.
After many years of service, Saint Patrick died in Ireland having fulfilled his calling.
For more amazing facts about Saint Patrick, his faith and his love for the Irish people, check out Encyclopedia Britannica which was the source for most of my information; also My Holiday Ireland St Patrick's Day
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