St Patrick was born in Cumbria on 17 March, captured as a slave around 15 years old and taken to Ireland. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest.

St Patrick

As a slave Patrick worked as a herdsman and was held captive for nearly 6 years. During this time his faith grew stronger as he prayed each day until he heard a voice telling him a ship would soon be ready to take him home. Spurred into action, he escaped to a port nearly 200 miles away and eventually, after many adventures, he returned home. Patrick was now in his mid-20s.

Some years after his return to Britain Patrick received a vision in which a man who appeared to be from Ireland pleaded for him to “come and walk among us”. Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the Irish pagans to Christianity. In his own words Patrick “baptised thousands of people”.

St Patrick

Over in Ireland, Patrick’s work was severely hampered by language difficulties encountered while trying to spread the Christian faith but during this time he used some unorthodox methods of endearing himself, and indeed his faith, to the various Irish peoples. Patrick became part of the small communities showing himself as their equal and in no way superior. Becoming familiar with Patrick’s presence as a valued member in their communities, the Irish became more open to Patrick spreading the gospel message and he was able to alter his preaching accordingly.

This method, together with the importance of learning new languages, was later adopted as a template for future missionaries travelling further abroad.

It is believed, but not proven, that Patrick died in 493 and was therefore living and spreading the gospel in the late half of the 5th Century. Patrick’s body was supposedly buried at Down Cathedral, Downpatrick, County Down. There is no real proof of this but there is a modern exhibition centre in Downpatrick. This is the only permanent exhibition centre in the world which is devoted to St Patrick.

There is a beautiful hamlet named Portpatrick which lies in the southwest of Scotland, near Stranraer which supposedly took its name from St. Patrick as he is believed to have sailed to Ireland from there. Since there are no records which corroborate or deny this account, and the mere fact that Portpatrick itself dates back historically only some 500 years, does not add any credence to this story. This should prove an interesting subject for debate and speculation over the years!

As a matter of interest, Portpatrick is a stunning hamlet and well worth a visit – but be warned, most people who take a day trip there often return so often they buy a caravan or a second home! Quite a few visitors are now long term residents!