St. Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland and of the Brothers of St. Patrick is one of the world's most popular saints. Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland, of Roman parents in-charge of the British colonies.
As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.
During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after a dream in which God told him how to leave Ireland and return to Britain. He had another dream in which he heard the Irish people begging him to come back to them. He joined the priesthood. He was ordained by St.Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre. Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was asked to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland on March 25, 433, at Slane. A Chieftain named Dichu but was later converted after he befriended Patrick who cured his arm.
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