Who Was St Patrick?

Who was St Patrick? There is an ancient earthen cross at Banwell in Somerset which some archaeologists think could be the birthplace of this mysterious Saint. A cross lies in the landscape and has arms which extend about 20 metres and are directed to the compass points. Malmesbury nearby was also an early religious establishment and the historian, William of Malmesbury mentions that Patrick's grave was at the nearby great Abbey cathedral at Glastonbury which could have been dedicated to St Patrick along with St Mary the Virgin. Irish pilgrims were frequenting these places so it is expected there is a valid connection We know little about his life. Some say he was born around 400AD. Perhaps his father was a town councillor but he became enslaved in Ireland as a teenager, of about 16 years of age, and escaped to Gaul.

 Then later in his life, he returned to Ireland to embark upon missionary work, founding Ireland's first Christian church in Armagh. It would be wonderful if more research could be done to bring to light more information about this extraordinary saint whom the Irish revere so much.
His feast day is on 17th March when all things Irish are celebrated. The three leafed shamrock is worn because it is said that Patrick used the plant to explain the three parts of the Christian godhead. Article: Wendy Stokes www.wendystokes.co.uk