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Diane Anderson

History

 St Patrick was born in Scotland in 387 AD. When he was 16, he was kidnapped by Irish gangsters. They sold him as a slave. He had to look after his master's sheep. This gave him plenty of time to pray. 

After six years, an angel told him to escape. After a very long journey, he boarded a ship for Britain, where he joined a monastery. Later he went back to Ireland to convert the pagans to Christianity. It is  believed he died on  March 17, 460 AD, which is why St Patrick's Day is celebrated on this day.  

 Ministry

 St Patrick's ministry lasted 60 years. He started 365 churches. A school was built next to each church. He consecrated, or appointed to divine service, more than 350 bishops. 

 Snakes

 There are no snakes in Ireland.  St Patrick is thought to have driven them away. He is also known to have done other miracles.

 Celebrations

 The Irish attend mass first on  St Patrick's Day. They say special prayers for missionaries throughout the world. A green rosette  or a sprig of shamrock is worn. The shamrock is a three-leaf clover. Most people dress in green. Some even colour rivers green.  

Alcohol and meat are not allowed  during  Lent. But  St Patrick's Day is an exception.  

 The drowning of the shamrock 

 This is the most popular tradition at a pub. A pot is filled with alcohol. The pot is called the pota Padraig or 'Patrick's Pot'. For the last drink a piece of shamrock is put into the glass. This is covered with whiskey and thrown over the left shoulder for good luck.

 St Patrick's fish

 St Patrick had some roasted pork hidden for emergencies during Lent. He asked God if he should become a vegetarian. An angel appeared and told him to throw the  pork into the river. 

The pork changed into fish which swam away. Now roast pork is called 'Saint Patrick's fish'. It is eaten on  St Patrick's Day.  Now do this:

 1 How long was St Patrick a slave?  

 a. 10 years  

 b. 16 years  

 c. six years  

 2 Who do the Irish say special prayers for on St Patrick's Day?    

 a. missionaries

 b. ministers

 c. monks  

 3 What is the colour of festival?   

 a. red

 b. green

 c. yellow 



The saint who was once a slave