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What he said
"Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ at my right, Christ at my left, Chris when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me."
What the world was like
When Patrick was young, the people of Ireland did not know about Jesus. Ireland was not ruled by one single king, but by several Celtic chieftains. Each chieftain ruled a small piece of land but was always trying to get more land through force. Because of this unrest, not many people came to Ireland from England.
The Roman Empire ruled much of Europe. During Patrick's life, Saint Jerome, a monk, translated the Bible into Latin so that more people were able to read it. People traveled by foot, boat, or on horses. Metal horseshoes were invented and used. The stirrup, a foothold for a horseman, was also invented during Patrick's lifetime.
Who he was
Patrick was born in Scotland. When he was about fourteen years old, he was captured and brought to Ireland. As a slave, he was forced to take care of sheep. Patrick prayed often during his captivity. The people of Ireland at this time were not Christian. Patrick learned about their beliefs and practices.
When Patrick was twenty years old, he escaped from slavery and returned home. He never forgot the people of Ireland and wanted to return to teach them about Christianity. Patrick began studying for the priesthood and was eventually ordained a bishop. He was then sent by the Pope to Ireland as a missionary.
Patrick became friends with several community leaders in Ireland. Because the people trusted him, many converted to Christianity. Patrick built over three hundred churches throughout Ireland and baptized thousands of people.
Patrick invited other priests and church leaders to join him in Ireland. He remained in Ireland for forty years, preaching, writing, and ministering to the people of Ireland.
What this saint means to us today
Patrick is a very popular saint. On March 17, people all over the world celebrate his feast day with parades, parties, and the wearing of green.
There are many legends about Saint Patrick. One such legend has it that he used a shamrock, a plant growing in Ireland, to explain the Blessed Trinity. Just as there are three separate leaves on one plant, there are three distinct Persons in one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because of this, the shamrock is the traditional symbol of Ireland.
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