The Rabenstranger

In the late 4th century St. Patrick was captured from his home in Britain (Yes, believe it or not, St. Patrick was English.) and taken to Ireland to serve as a slave. During his time in captivity Patrick became devoted himself to God and upon escaping he became a deacon and later a bishop in the early Catholic Church. He returned to Ireland as a missionary and started a tradition of Catholicism that is strong to this day. You can find a more detailed and entertaining account of Patrick’s life on Veggie Tale’s Sumo of the Opera.

As interesting as the real life of St. Patrick was, he is largely forgotten on the day that bears his name. Instead St. Patrick’s day has become a time for celebrating Irish heritage, wearing green, practicing your Irish accent and drinking unhealthy quantities of beer (we use root beer in our family).