Saint Patrick is one of the world’s most popular saints. Here are some fun and interesting facts about Saint Patrick and Saint Patrick’s Day.

• Saint Patrick was born to Christian parents around the year 389.
  
  
• Although Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland, he was born in Britain – in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton in Scotland.
  
  
• At sixteen Saint Patrick was captured by pirates and sold as a slave in Ireland.
  
  
• After having a dream from God, Saint Patrick escaped at the age of twenty and sailors took him back to Britain. In the dream he was told to leave Ireland via going to the coast.
  
  
• After studying for the priesthood, Saint Patrick was ordained by Saint Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre.
  
  
• Pope Celestine I ordained Saint Patrick a bishop in 432.
  
  
• Saint Patrick was send back to Ireland to spread the Good News. He arrived at Slane on March 25, 433.
  
  
• Saint Patrick preached the Gospel all over Ireland, converting many to Christianity. He and his disciples built churches throughout the country.
  
  
• Many of his disciples – Auxilius, Beningnus, Iserninus and Fiacc – were also canonized.
  
  
• Much of our knowledge about Saint Patrick comes from his own writing, from his Confession where he wrote of his love for God.
  
  
• The shamrock is associated with Saint Patrick’s Day since Saint Patrick was thought to have used the three leaf shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity.
  
  
• Saint Patrick’s real name was Maewyn Succat.
  
  
• Saint Patrick died on March 17 in the year 461. He built the first church in Saul, which is where he died.
  
  
• March 17 is also the feast day for Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, Saint Jan Sarkander, Saint Joseph of Arimathea, Saint Paul of Cyprus and Blessed Peter Lieou (martyr of China).
  
  
• Green is associated with Saint Patrick’s Day since it is the color of spring.
  
  
• The first Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated in America was in 1737 in Boston.
  
  
• The first official Saint Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City in 1762, when Irish immigrants from the British colonial army marched down the streets of the city.
  
  
• The first Saint Patrick's Day parade in Dublin was held in 1931. Now the parade is part of a five day festival.
  
  
• On Saint Patrick's Day Chicago is known for dyeing the Chicago River green.

The Confession of Saint Patrick
More about Saint Patrick from Getfed.com

Saint Patrick - Behind the Shamrocks and Leprechauns

Peace in Christ,
Melissa Knoblett-Aman