The patron saint of Ireland, whose saint's day is celebrated
annually on 17 March. He is traditionally associated with the
shamrock, a type of clover. Patrick's exact birthplace is
unknown, but was probably in England or Wales. When he was 16,
Patrick was captured by Irish pirates and taken as a slave to
Ireland, where he worked as a herdsman. In a dream, he heard
voices that told him to escape, so after six years in captivity
he fled, possibly back to his home. He was ordained as a priest
and returned to Ireland where he played a major part in
converting the country to Christianity. Sometime after 431 AD,
Patrick was appointed as successor to St Palladius, the first
bishop of Ireland. Patrick established his headquarters at
Armagh. Towards the end of his life, Patrick wrote about his
life and work in his 'Confession'. This page is best viewed in
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