(17th March every year)

St Patrick was a real man, a citizen of Rome who lived in the 5th century. He was not the first or only missionary to the Irish, but he has come to be representative of all others, most of whom have fallen into obscurity. He was taken hostage and removed from his homeland, and was introduced to Ireland as a slave. He was not very impressed with that way of life though, and decided to return to Rome at the first opportunity where he diligently trained for the priesthood and was ordained a Bishop. He then set off to Ireland again (this time of his own accord) determined to convert the entire people to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Over the centuries, folklore has embroidered the memory of the real man and has credited him with feats and customs that mock belief and do not fit the character of one so committed to the Faith. However, his example still inspires generations of Irish people to keep the Faith at home, and to travel abroad in a sincere spirit of Christian Service to improve the lot of people less fortunate than themselves. He remains, therefore, a saint for all people to remember with thanks. Vegans might see him as a patron (not only of enslaved people but) of animals who break their shackles and strive to be truly free.