"I cannot keep silent. . .so many favors and graces has the Lord deigned to bestow on me in the land of my captivity [Ireland, the first time around]. For after chastisement from God. . .our way is to exalt Him and confess His wonders before every nation under heaven. . .I am imperfect in many things; nevertheless, I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may perceive my soul's desire." ---The Confessions of St. Patrick (died March 17, A.D. 461)
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St. Patrick was born in the Roman province of Britain between AD 385-390. His birthname was probably Maewyn Succat. He was born into a wealthy Christian family. While tending the family sheep in his " tweens" or teens, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave.
Patrick felt he had never taken his faith seriously before his kidnapping, and he experienced a spiritual awakening while enslaved. He eventually escaped slavery, got theological training, and went back to Ireland as a missionary.
