Centuries ago, when Britain was
ruled by Rome, there was a young boy
named Patrick who lived in Britain with
his family. Although Patrick's parents
had reared him as a Christian, he didn't
take their teachings seriously. He preferred
to follow the sinful example of other youths.

Patrick continued in this way of life until
one day he was captured by a band of marauders
from Ireland who made him return with them as
a slave to their country. They forced him
to live in poverty and hunger, working as a
shepherd and a swineherd.

Patrick missed Britain and his family so much
that he thought his heart would break. He
began to pray, however, asking God to help
him and begging forgiveness for his sins.
The Lord heard his prayers, filling him with
the fire of a new faith he had never know
before.

One night while Patrick was still in captivity,
God showed him a way to escape from Ireland,
and after six years of slavery, he found his
way back to Britain and his family.

From that time on, Patrick dedicated his life 
to God, eventually receiving Holy Orders. His
life became a continual quest for holiness.

One night while Patrick was at prayer, he
heard a voice calling him. An Angel appeared
to him with the message that the people of
Ireland wished him to return to their country
and walk among them once more--this time,
not as a captive, but as God's apostle.

Patrick saw God's plan in all that had 
happened, and he consented to return to
Ireland. He was consecrated bishop
and was sent there to preach the 
Gospel of Christ.

In the early days, Patrick suffered great
persecution, but the fire that God had
kindled in his heart spread throughout 
all of Ireland, and Patrick came to be
regarded as an angel among men.

Now a saint, Patrick stands as a symbol
of the Irish, of the unique destiny they
claim, and of the beloved place they will
always have in God's heart.

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