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On March 17, people worldwide celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, green hats, shamrocks, and leprechauns. But the real St. Patrick was nothing like the modern-day icon we know today.
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Born around 450 A.D., Patrick hailed from Britain, not Ireland. His father was a Christian deacon, and Patrick grew up on a small estate in a place called Bannavem Taburniae.
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At 16, Patrick was captured by Irish slave traders and taken to Ireland. He spent six years tending sheep before escaping back to Britain.
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While working as a shepherd, Patrick prayed daily. One night, he heard a voice telling him, “Look, your ship is ready!” It was time to escape.
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On his journey home, a pagan captain tried to force Patrick to “suck his breasts” as a gesture of submission. Patrick refused and instead preached to the crew, who eventually took him aboard.
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Patrick had numerous visions. In one, he dreamt of being crushed by a rock, only for it to disappear when he cried out for help. It was a turning point in his faith.
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Back in Britain, Patrick had another vision—an angel appeared, calling him to return to Ireland. This time, he answered the call and trained to be a bishop.
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Patrick later confessed to having committed a “secret sin” in his youth. Some speculate it was related to idol worship or something else, but he considered his Irish mission penance.
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During his mission in Ireland, Patrick faced beatings, chains, and constant danger. Yet, he remained committed to spreading Christianity across the land.
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Legend says Patrick dueled with druids who tried to poison him and insult his faith. One druid was even sent flying by Patrick after blaspheming against God.
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In another legend, Patrick fasted for 40 days atop a mountain, demanding outrageous promises from God, including that the English would never rule Ireland.
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Though many believe Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, there’s no early evidence he ever did. The shamrock connection only surfaced in 1684.
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Finally, the famous story of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland is a myth. There were no snakes in Ireland to begin with, and the story likely came from another saint’s tale.
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