Bishop
He was born around the year 383 in Britain into a Christian family. His father, Calpurnius, was a deacon. At the age of 16, he was captured by pirates and sold into Ireland, where, during his captivity, he turned to God and began to lead a life of repentance. After six years of captivity, hearing a voice, he escaped and returned home, but soon found himself captured again, from which he was liberated once more.
After returning home, he had a vision in which he received a call to return to Ireland for preaching. He went to Gaul to complete his ecclesiastical education and was ordained a bishop by Saint Germanus. Upon arriving in Ireland, he began to preach, converting many pagans to Christ, including kings and tribal elders.
Saint Patrick founded numerous churches and monasteries, trained priests and bishops, showing respect for the culture of the Irish people. He opposed pagan priests and performed miracles, strengthening the faith of the newly converted. His missionary work covered all of Ireland, and he became its chief protector.
He died on March 17, 461, in Saul, where his body was buried. Thanks to his efforts, Ireland became a prosperous Christian land, known as the Island of Saints. He is venerated as the patron saint, and more than 200 churches are dedicated to him.
