St. Patrick was born in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, Scotland in the 3rd century. At 16 years old, he was kidnapped when Irish marauders raided his village and took him to Ireland as a slave. During his six-year captivity, he became closer to God as he tended cattle and sheep on the rainy cold Irish hillsides. He was lonely and hungry, yet spent what time he had in prayer and learning the Irish language. Eventually, he escaped and made his way back to Britain where his family greeted him with great joy.

One night, in a strange dream, Patrick heard a message that told him to return to Ireland. A voice said he must help the people with their religion. He had another dream in which the Irish were calling out to him, "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more." Patrick went to France to study for the priesthood, and then he made his way back to Ireland. Patrick became a great leader.

He used the Irish language he had learned as a boy to communicate with the people. He picked a shamrock from the ground and used the three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The people listened to his teachings and his message spread across the land. His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years.

Patrick retired to Saul, County Down, Ireland where he died on March 17th. Today he is known as the patron saint of the Irish. Every year throughout the Emerald Isle, parades and festivities honor St. Patrick on March 17th.

St. Patrick of Ireland Pipka Santas Irish Collection Item #11533
Numbered Limited Edition

St. Patrick was born in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, Scotland in the 3rd century. At 16 years old, he was kidnapped when Irish marauders raided his village an
Price: $161.25