Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He was born around 390 (likely in 387). His name is from the Latin Patricius, meaning high-born. His parents were part of the Christian minority of Britain; his father, Calpurnius, was a deacon, "the son of Potitus, a priest, of the village Bannavem Taburniæ."

At the age of 16, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. During that time, he prayed frequently and came for the first time to have a true faith in God. At age 22, he had a vision in which God told him to be prepared to leave Ireland. Soon, he escaped, walking 200 miles to a ship and returning to England. In a dream, he saw the people of Ireland calling him, "We beg you, holy youth, that you shall come and shall walk again among us."

St Patrick sought clerical training. He was ordained by St. Germanus, bishop of Auxerre. Around 430 he was ordained a bishop, after which he returned to Ireland. There, he preached the Gospel, reaching tribal chieftains, gaining their permission to teach their subjects also. During his episcopate, he was attacked for a sin he confessed to a close friend, a sin he committed "in a single hour" when only 15, but he did not suffer as a result. He established an episcopal administration and led a monastic lifestyle, establishing Christianity in Ireland. St. Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on March 17, 461.

Blessed Patrick, you were captured and made a slave. We live in a time where there are more humans held in slavery, trafficked for sex, and forced into indentured servitude than at any know eta of human history. Pray for all who are regarded as property, and give them the same courage you knew to escape your bondage.

Pray for us, who often unknowingly support the slave trade so that we might live in luxury, that we might have the grace of the Holy Spirit to imitate Jesus, as you did, to bring liberty to the oppressed and free those held in bondage.

And pray for us yet more, that we, being so filled with the love of God in Jesus, that those who walk in darkness, superstition, and fear may see the light of his love and be drawn to God for salvation.

Ora pro nobis.

Amen