March 17: Saint Patrick’s Day
Prayer Idea
Pray for missionaries who share God’s good news with others.
History Note
Patrick was born into a wealthy British family around 389 AD. When he was 16, he was captured and taken to Ireland where he was forced to tend sheep for several years. Even though he had been born to Christian parents, Patrick did not show interest in Christianity until after he was captured. While in Ireland, he became a deeply religious man.
According to legend, Patrick escaped from Ireland on a pirate ship and returned to Britain. After being reunited with his family, Patrick had a dream in which Irish people asked him to return to them. Patrick became a priest and went back to Ireland to spend the rest of his life working to convert the Irish to Christianity.
According to tradition, Patrick died on March 17 about the year 461. He was largely forgotten after his death, but over time myths and legends began to circulate about his life. Patrick was later named the patron saint of Ireland.
Spanish settlers in St. Augustine, Florida, honored Patrick as early as 1600. On March 17, 1766 (or maybe 1762), Irish soldiers serving in the British Army marched to various houses throughout New York City that were inhabited by Irish immigrants. The tradition of a St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York has continued almost every year since.
This print by Duval & Hunter from around 1872 is titled, “St. Patrick’s Day in America.” The caption says that it is “commemorative of Ireland's unswerving fidelity to her ancient religion and the devotion of her exiled children to the sacred principles of her freedom and redemption as a nation.”
Learn More
This video highlights how people in ten cities around the world have celebrated St. Patrick's Day.
Find more resources about Patrick at Homeschool History.
