St. Patrick: From Slave To Saint
(WREG-TV) Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Do you know the history of one of the world’s best-known saints?
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales in 385 AD and was named Maewyn.
He was sold into slavery at the age of 16, and it was in captivity that he became a Christian and adopted the name, Patrick.
After escaping slavery and studying in the monastery in Gaul, Patrick was appointed the second bishop of Ireland, where he served for 30 years.
He died March 17, 461 AD at the age of 76 and has been celebrated on that day ever since.
The shamrock symbol of St. Patrick’s Day comes from Patrick’s use of the shamrock to explain the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Ghost).
The celebration came to the U.S. in 1737, where it was celebrated for the first time in Boston.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Boston.
The actual “traditions” of wearing green, drinking Irish or green beer, and pinching anyone not wearing green are strictly U.S. customs.
In Ireland, the holiday is celebrated with many other saints’ days – there are Catholic masses held and families gather together for large meals, much like how U.S. families celebrate Thanksgiving.
The larger cities in Ireland usually hold parades.