Profile of the Day: Saint Patrick

It’s St. Patrick’s Day! The holiday is observed on March 17, the day of death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Image: Saint Patrick / Library of Congress

Kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16, Saint Patrick was held captive as a slave in Ireland for six years before escaping and returning home to Britain. He became deeply devoted to Christianity and eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary to spread the teachings of Christianity.

Many legends surround Saint Patrick, including the tale of how he banished all snakes from Ireland. It is also said that Saint Patrick used a three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans during his teachings. Today the shamrock has become a central symbol of St. Patrick’s Day and the holiday is observed around the world as a celebration of Irish culture and heritage.

Explore Saint Patrick’s family tree on Geni and share your connection to the patron saint of Ireland.