True history and legend are intertwined when it comes to St. Patrick. It is known that he was born in Banwen, Wales and was kidnapped and sold in Ireland as a slave. He became fluent in the Irish language before making his escape to the continent. Eventually he was ordained as a deacon,then priest and finally as a bishop. Pope Celestine then sent him back to Ireland to preach the gospel. Evidently he was a great traveller, especially in Celtic countries, as innumerable places in Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Scotland and Ireland are named after him.

Here it is where actual history and legend become difficult to seperate. Patrick is most known the world over for having driven the snakes from Ireland. Different tales tell of his standing upon a hill, using a wooden staff to drive the serpents into the sea, banishing them forever from the shores of Ireland. While it is true there are no snakes in Ireland, chances are this has been true since the flood. As in many old pagan religions serpent symbols were common, and possibly even worshipped. Driving the snakes from Ireland was probably symbolic of putting an end to that pagan practice.

The well known legend of the Shamrock connects it definitely to St.Patrick and his teaching. Preaching in the open air on the doctrine of the trinity, he is said to have illustrated the existence of the Three in One by plucking a shamrock from the grass growing at his feet and showing it to his congregation.

Irish Blessings... May the roads rise to meet you May the winds be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. May you always have work for your hands to do, May your pockets hold always a coin or two, May the sun shine bright on your window pane, May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.... May the hand of a friend always be near you, And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. May love and laughter light your days And warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours Wherever you may roam. May peace and joy bless your world And may all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours. Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. May the beauties of earth and sky and sea, Fill your heart with lasting peace and contentment.