Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Today we celebrated St Patrick’s Day as it is the Feast of St Patrick on 17^th March. St Patrick is one of the most well-known and popular saints throughout the world. Patrick was born in Britain in 387, however at about the age of fourteen he was captured by Irish pirates during a raid and taken back to Ireland as a slave, where he was made to herd and tend to sheep. During his captivity, Patrick turned to God.

Patrick was held captive until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God. In his dream, God told him to leave Ireland by going to the coast. Patrick followed God’s message and went to the coast where he found some sailors who took him back to Britain, where he was reunited with his family.

A few years after returning home, Patrick had a vision of the Irish people appealing to him to come and walk among them as a holy servant. The vision prompted Patrick to join the priesthood. Patrick studied for four years before being ordained a priest. He was later ordained a bishop and sent to take the Gospel to Ireland.

Patrick arrived in Ireland in 433, where legend has it, that the chieftain of one of the druid tribes, tried to kill him. After an intervention from God, Patrick was able to convert the chieftain and preach the Gospel throughout Ireland. Throughout Ireland he converted many people and began building churches.

Patrick often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and entire kingdoms were eventually converted to Christianity after hearing Patrick’s message. He preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God.

Patrick died on 17^th March 461 in Saul where he had built the first Irish church.

To celebrate the day, all students were invited to dress in green coloured clothes. It was great to see so many students get into the spirit of the day and go all out with their outfits.