Saint Patrick
Born in Britain around 385, Patrick was still a child when he was carried off by Irish raiders who took him to Ireland as a slave. He later fled, returned to his home, and was educated and instructed as a priest. He decided to dedicate himself to the spread of Christianity in the places of his slavery, and in 432 he was sent to Ireland as a missionary bishop. He died in 461 (according to legend in 493, at more than 100 years of age). His cult is universal. He is depicted in bishop’s clothes, sometimes with a clover as attribute. He is invoked for liberation from Hell, for the souls in Purgatory, and against rabies. PROTECTOR: Miners. PATRON: Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. NAME: Patrick is of Latin origin and means “nobleman.” (Giorgi, 2005)