March 17 is just around the corner! St. Patty’s Day isn’t just about heading to the bar, wearing green and getting pinched. Let us remember who the St. Patrick really was.

His real name being Maewyn Succat and later St. Patrick after he became a priest, he is the patron saint of Ireland. Although he himself was not Irish, he was known for converting most of Ireland to Christianity in the AD 400s. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery into Ireland, forced to herd and tend sheep once he stepped onto shore. Feeling hopeless, St. Patrick turned to God and prayer. He didn’t escape slavery until six years later after having a dream sent by God, who told him to go to the shore where he would find a ship waiting for him.

In America we celebrate by having Irish themed parties, wearing green clothing, and parades!