St. Patrick was a 5th century Christian missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He is one of the three patron saints of Ireland along with St. Brigid and St. Columba.

Did St. Patrick really drive the snakes out of Ireland?

The legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland has to do with the Christian triumph over pagan beliefs, not with literal snakes.

Was St. Patrick the first missionary to Ireland?

St. Patrick was not the first missionary to Ireland but he was the most effective and became the most famous.

What is the story of St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day was originally a religious observance in Ireland, his Feast Day, honoring the day of his death. Irish immigrants brought the observance to the United States in the 19th century where it has since become St. Patrick's Day, honoring Irish culture and heritage.

Is St. Patrick the Patron Saint of Ireland?

St. Patrick is one of three patron saints of Ireland along with St. Brigid and St. Columba, but he is the most famous of the three outside of Ireland.

Saint Patrick Timeline

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Definition

Saint Patrick (5th century) is the best-known patron saint of Ireland and one of the most successful Christian missionaries in history. He is credited with expanding literacy in Ireland through the monastic orders he established, revising and codifying the Brehon Laws, and converting the country to Christianity.

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