St. Patrick of Ireland
St. Patrick is one of the most well-known saints in the world, and rightly so. His humility and boldness spurred one of the most amazing conversion stories. The conversion of Ireland occurred without bloodshed or conquest, and happened so rapidly that slavery (which was commonplace at the beginning of Patrick's mission) was completely eradicated in Ireland within his own life. One of the most well-known legends about Patrick -- chasing the snakes out of Ireland -- probably never happened, but his story is a fascinating tale even without it. Lifetime: ~386 to 461 Region: Ireland Patronages: Ireland; Snakes Iconograpy: Green robe; Miter and crosier; Shamrock; Snakes Feast Day: March 17 Patrick, known as Patricius in his native Latin, was born in Britain in what was then part of the Roman empire. Patrick's family was somewhat wealthy and Patrick would have experienced little hardship in his early life. But then, when he was a teenager, Patrick was captured by Iris...