Saint Patrick
Even though he is now a saint, St. Patrick sometimes struggled with his belief in God. He was born Maewyn Succat in Britain, between the years 385 and 390. At age 16, Patrick was kidnapped by pirates. He was then sold as a slave to a Druid priest in Ireland named Milchu, who ordered Patrick to tend his sheep. As a shepherd, Patrick spent a lot of time alone with the sheep and it was then that he learned to trust in God. He began to pray, and after six years stopped his work over 100 times a day to talk to God. Then one night he had a vision, which showed him a boat to help him escape. He traveled over 200 miles across Ireland, found the boat, and made it back to Britain. Once he returned to his family, Patrick began studies to become a priest. He longed to return to Ireland and preach the Gospel to the Irish. He later did return as a bishop and became the “Apostle of Ireland,” sharing his love for God with everyone he met. Patrick died in the year 461 and the Church celebrates his feast day every year on March 17.