So, was St. Patrick even Irish?

Everyone knows I love to learn new things. So when my kids asked me WHY we celebrate St Patricks Day, other than knowing he was a Saint I wasn’t positive if he was even Irish…

Turns out he was NOT born in Ireland but at the age of 16 was kidnapped and taken to Ireland where he was forced to work as a sheep herder for 6 years until he returned to his family in Britain but never forgot Ireland or the Irish people. After becoming a priest, years later he returned to Ireland where he spread the Christian faith for 40 years across the beautiful countryside. March 17, 461 AD is the day that amazing Saint passed away.

I think this is a beautiful story of life working FOR someone not to someone; taking a horrible event like being kidnapped and making a positive life mission from it.

So in honor of his death and his amazing example of taking trials and turning them into triumphs, I wish all a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Great little video if you want to watch as well.

http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day/videos/ask-history-was-st-patrick-irish