Who Was Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was a fifth century Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He has been credited as the founder of Christianity in Ireland. He helped to convert a society that practiced a form of Celtic polytheism to Christians. His route to Christianity was one of being captured by Irish pirates from his home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. There he looked after animals and stayed for six years before escaping and returning to his family. 

After returning to his home he became a cleric. It was his decision to return to Northern and Western Ireland to help spread the word. In his later years he served as bishop. He would later be known as patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick's day is observed on March 17th of each year. This is said to be the date of his death. In Ireland it is celebrated as a religious and cultural holiday.