<p>Although legends abound concerning the life and work of Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, he tells us about himself in his <em>Confession</em>, a document written near the end of his life. His father was a Roman tax collector and held a position in the government of the Roman settlement, now in Wales. At 16, Patrick, along with many others, was carried off in a pirate raid and sold as a slave in Ireland. He was made a swineherd, living in solitude on a mountain. This radical change in his life forced him to rely on his Christian training, and his prayer and asceticism marked him forever.</p>
<p>After serving his master for 6 years, Patrick heard an inner voice telling him that he would return to his homeland and that a boat would take him there. He made his escape, travelling 300 kilometres on foot to the promised ship. They landed in Gaul (Western Europe) and after many adventures, Patrick returned to his parents in Britain. Later, he returned to Gaul to study for the priesthood, eventually becoming a bishop.</p>
<p>When the missionary to Ireland, Saint Palladius, died, Patrick took his place, fulfilling his dream of returning to evangelize the Irish. It was a dangerous life and he was constantly at risk from hostile pagans, but by the time of his death in 492, he could see the fruits of his work: a native clergy was in place and although there was still danger, Christianity had reached nearly all of Ireland, and churches and monasteries had been established to receive the constant stream of converts.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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