Patrick was born in Roman Britain somewhere around the year 390, the son of a deacon. His grandfather was a priest. Despite his religious upbringing, Patrick was a self-proclaimed atheist.

While he was a teenager he was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery. After six years spent in manual tasks, herding sheep and praying, Patrick had a dream telling him he would soon return home.

Whether he escaped or was freed is uncertain, but he eventually persuaded some sailors to take him with them. After various adventures, including shipwreck and near starvation, Patrick finally returned home to his family, a changed man.

He trained for the priesthood, but lacked a "higher education" for which he would be criticised over the years. In fact his Latin writings are often considered to be too simplistic in style.

He was successful as a priest, and eventually became a bishop. We know he spent some time in Gaul after which he was sent to Ireland. He worked primarily in Armagh among the very race which had kidnapped and enslaved him.

Patrick's ministry was characterised by sincere simplicity and deep pastoral care. He was concerned with abolishing paganism; he made no distinction between classes and was himself ready for death or imprisonment, following in the footsteps of his Lord. His writings would be the first identified as coming from the British Church, and include his Confession and many poems or hymns of praise.

The Patrick of history is probably far different from the Patrick of legend; the stories about single-handed conversion of an entire country, driving snakes away and using the shamrock to illustrate the Trinity are probably just that: stories. However he stands out as an amazing example of a man who chose to forgive and love his enemies.