Christian Men and Women

Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was born in Europe and is most famous for preaching about the life of Jesus and Mary to the people of Ireland. In those days (about the year 400) the Irish people did not know about Christianity. It was the Pope of the time who sent Bishop Patrick to Ireland.

Patrick was a very likeable man and the Irish people listened very carefully as he told them about Jesus. Patrick would tell big crowds many stories and sing songs about Jesus. He taught about the Christian faith in story form. Patrick explained the Holy Trinity by pointing to a shamrock which had three leaves but was still one plant. Patrick explained that this was the same as God being one but in fact three these being God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The shamrock is now used as a symbol of Ireland.

Many people asked Patrick to baptize them and Patrick travelled around Ireland preaching the Christian religion. Patrick died about the year 460.

The virtues that St Patrick displayed throughout his life were Courage (Fortitude), Faith and Love (Charity).