St. Patrick's Day and its promise of spring is an especially welcome relief for millions of Americans who have suffered through one of the coldest winters in recent memory.
Right?!
What's more, Patrick professed no interest in Christianity as a young boy.
The author of this article, Freeman, noted that Patrick's story really was interesting since at the young age of 16, his world was turned upside down: He was kidnapped and sent overseas to tend sheep as a slave for seven years in the chilly, mountainous countryside of Ireland.
"It was just horrible for him," Freeman said. "But he got a religious conversion while he was there and became a very deeply believing Christian."
According to folklore, a voice came to Patrick in his dreams, telling him to escape. He found passage on a pirate ship back to Britain, where he was reunited with his family.
The voice then told him to go back to Ireland.
"He gets ordained as a priest from a bishop, and goes back and spends the rest of his life trying to convert the Irish to Christianity," Freeman said.
Patrick's work in Ireland was tough—he was constantly being beaten by thugs, harassed by Irish royalty, and admonished by his British superiors. After he died on March 17, 461, Patrick was largely forgotten.
But slowly, mythology grew around Patrick, and centuries later he was honored as the patron saint of Ireland, Freeman noted.
Crazy how one can go from riches and no belief to hardship and full of Faith.. So much so that it became his life's work and made him known for centuries to come...
Cool little tid bit I thought I'd make certain to share on this beautifully COLD but sunny new day that many of us see as a promise for a Spring season not far off. I hope that you enjoyed the read.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all!!!
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