Himself

St. Patrick, the figure we're celebrating today, is associated with many Irish symbols – the shamrock and the gift of gab, for example. But, alas, he didn't have the luck of the Irish. Born somewhere along the British coastline in 389AD, Patrick was captured by a raiding party when he was 14-years-old, taken to Ireland and sold as a slave. While tending the flocks of a Druid chieftain, Patrick spent much of his time alone and in prayer, strengthening his Christian faith.

After six years of captivity, Patrick escaped, returned home and took up studies for the priesthood. He later returned to Ireland and began a 40-year mission of converting its people. He died on March 17, 461AD.

Legend has it that St. Patrick rid Ireland of snakes. If this is true, it would add one more claim to St. Patrick's fame: Status as one of the world's earliest industrial hygienists. Unfortunately, it's probably not true. According to scientists, there were no snakes in post-glacial Ireland. The whole banishment of serpents legend is thus best understood as an allegory symbolizing St. Patrick's purging Ireland of pagans.

St. Patrick By Catherine Jones

Links are not necessarily related to the sentence at hand; all are links to St. Patrick, from histories to kid's pages.

Also, be sure to check out this from Kim at The Upward Call