Patrick

Patrick was a British deacon's son who became a Christian missionary to Ireland. As a reckless youth, he stole chickens, raced horses, and rejected his family's faith. Irish raiders carried him away in chains, and six lonely years herding sheep transformed his heart through prayer. After escaping and returning home, Patrick dreamed that the Irish people were calling him back. He obeyed, facing King Leary, hostile soldiers, and the druid Lochrue without weapons. Patrick lit an Easter fire in defiance of the druids' law and exposed a poisoned cup meant for him at the royal banquet. The king banished Lochrue and allowed Patrick to preach. Once enslaved in Ireland, Patrick returned freely to share the faith that had sustained him there.