What is PATRICK’S DAY
March 17th

For some people St. Patrick's Day has become a holiday associated with clovers, leprechauns, green hats, green clothing, and lots of beer to celebrate with. But did you know...

St. Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday honoring Saint Patrick, the missionary credited with converting the Irish to Christianity - A.D. 400's.

Saint Patrick was not actually Irish. 

Historical sources report that he was born around 373 A.D. in either Scotland (near the town of Dumbarton) or in Roman Britain (the Romans left Britain in 410 A.D.). His real name is believed to be Maewyn Succat (he took on Patrick, or Patricus, after he became a Christian). 

Kidnapped by Pirates - not Leprechauns.

He was kidnapped at the age of 16 by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. During his 6-year captivity (he worked as a shepherd), he became a believer in Christ and found strength in his faith. He finally escaped and went to France, where he became a bishop.

When he was about 60 years old, St. Patrick went back to Ireland to as a missionary to spread the Christian word. He told the people to worship, "the true son which is Christ." Before he came, the Irish people worshipped sun, moon and stars. This sounds like many today that worship nature instead of the Creator, Jesus Christ! 

How was Patrick successful as a missionary?  He used the shamrock, which resembles a three-leafed clover, as a metaphor to explain the concept of the Trinity (father, son, holy spirit).

Patrick died on March 17, approximately 460. St. Patrick's Day is the only national observed holiday in Ireland a Christian nation.

Legend has it that Saint Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland -- that they all went into the sea and drowned. The snake was a revered pagan symbol, and perhaps this was a figurative tale alluding to the fact that he drove paganism out of Ireland.

How did the story get so mixed-up with good-lucky charms, leprechauns, and beer?  Just like the world keeps trying to hide the true story of Christmas, Easter, and other holidays that point the way to Salvation in Jesus Christ. 

Don't let the world change or take away your message! Tell others about Jesus Christ, like St. Patrick did! Remember, he went BACK to share the Gospel with those that had hurt him MOST! Do not be afraid to witness for him!