IRELAND: PATRICK

 390 – 461                    FEAST DAY: MARCH 17

A British subject of Rome, Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and taken to Ireland when he was sixteen. After six years of herding sheep and being exposed to the elements, he managed to escape. He studied to become a missionary to Ireland, and on his return devoted himself to evangelizing the tribes there. It was said he had more power over nature than the druidic priests. He rid the island of snakes and could control the weather. He was granted his request to God that the Irish be judged by him when they died. He is a national hero there and his cult has spread all over the world.

 Other Patronages: Nigeria

Invoked Against: Rabies, Serpents, the torments of hell