St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was chiefly responsible for converting the Irish people to Christianity. True history and legend are intertwined when it comes to St. Patrick.  One of the most interesting facts about St. Patrick is that he was not Irish, at all, but was born in Britain, in the year 387.  Patrick wasn't his given name at birth, but given to him much later in life by Pope Celestine. It is said that his real name is Maewyn Succat! His father was a wealthy alderman and a Christian.

When Patrick was 16 years old, pirates captured him during a raid and sold him as a slave in Ireland where he served as a shepherd of an Irish chieftain in Ulster.  During his captivity, Patrick dedicated himself to religion.  Despite the constant threat to his life, Patrick traveled widely, baptizing, confirming, preaching, building churches, schools, and monasteries.  Patrick succeeded in converting almost the entire population of the island.  St. Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years.  He died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland on March 17 in AD 461.  This is the reason St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on the seventeenth of March.

The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737.  That was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in this country, in Boston.

And Until we meet Again,
May God hold You in the Palm of His Hand.

-Irish Blessing-