Our School Saint

St Patrick is one of the worlds most popular saints. He was born near Dumbarton in Scotland, in the year 387 and died at Saul, Ireland on 17th March in 461.

At the age of 16 St Patrick was captured by Irish raiders who attacked his family's estate. He was then transported to Ireland where he was held captive for six years, living a solitary, lonely life as a shepherd. During this time he turned to God and became a devout Christian, embracing his religion for solace. From his writing, we know a voice, which he believed to be of God, spoke to him in a dream, urging him to leave Ireland. He did. Walking nearly 200 miles, Patrick escaped to Britain and undertook seriously religious training.

After 15 years of study, Patrick was ordained as a priest and sent to Ireland. His mission was to minister to Christians and to convert the Irish, then pre-dominantly pagans, to Christianity. Because Patrick was familiar with the Irish language and culture from his years of captivity, he chose to incorporate Irish ritual and symbols into his teachings rather than to eradicate Irish beliefs. After St Patrick became a bishop he went to Ireland preaching the Gospel. He and his disciples converted thousands of people and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing St Patrick's message.

St Patrick preached and converted all over Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died on the 17th March in the year 461. He died at Saul where he built the first church.

Why a shamrock?

St Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity and it has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.

In his footsteps.

St Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man whose love and total devotion to and trust in God is a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and the importance of his mission.

St Patrick the patron saint of our school celebrates his feast day on 17^th March.

At St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School we often reflect on the many characteristics of St. Patrick. We feel privileged to have him as our namesake.