Saint Patrick's B.N.S., Cork.

Our school has served the families of our community in the name of St Patrick since 1841. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick has become an integral part our Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland during the 5th century.

Patick was born in the later half of the 4th century AD. His birth place is said to be in Scotland or Roman England. His real name was Maewyn Succat. Though Patricius was his Romanicized name, he was later came to be familiar as Patrick. Patrick was the son of Calpurnius, a Roman-British army officer.

Around 400AD at the age of sixteen, Patrick was growing up as naturally as other kids in Britain. However, one day a band of pirates landed in south Wales and kidnapped him along with many others. Then they sold him into slavery in Ireland. Patrick was here in Ireland for 6 years, mostly imprisoned.

This was when changes came to him. He dreamed of having seen God. Legend says, he was then told by God to escape with a getaway ship.Finally, he did escape and went to Britain, and then to France.
There he joined a monastery and studied under St. Germain,the bishop of Auxerre. He spent around 12 years in training.

And when he became a bishop he dreamed that the Irish were calling him back to Ireland to tell them about God.The Confessio, Patrick's spiritual autobiography, is the most important document regarding this. It tells of a dream after his return to Britain,in which he was delivered a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish."So he set out for Ireland with the Pope's blessings.

Legend says, he was then told by God to escape with a getaway ship.Finally, he did escape and went to Britain. And then to France. There he joined a monastery and studied under St. Germain,the bishop of Auxerre. He spent around 12 years in training.

And when he became a bishop he dreamed that the Irish were calling him back to Ireland to tell them about God.The Confessio, Patrick's spiritual autobiography, is the most important document regarding this. It tells of a dream after his return to Britain,in which he was delivered a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish."So he set out for Ireland with the Pope's blessings.

He converted the Gaelic Irish, who were then mostly Pagans, to Christianity. He was confident in the Lord, he journeyed far and wide, baptizing and confirming the people.For 20 years he travelled throughout Ireland,establishing monasteries across the country.He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion.He developed a native clergy,fostered the growth of monasticism,established dioceses, and held church councils.

By the end of the 7th century Patrick had become a legendary figure,and the legends have continued to grow since then.There are many legends associated with St Patrick.It is said that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity;which refers to the combination of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is why the shamrock still has a strong association with Patrick and Ireland .Legend also has it that Saint Patrick had put the curse of God on venomous snakes in Ireland. He drove all the snakes into the sea where they drowned.

True, these are mostly legends. But, after some 1500 years, these legends have been inseparably combined with the facts. And together they have helped us know much about the Saint and the spirit behind celebration of the day.

Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for over 20 years. He died on March 17, 461 AD and is said to be buried at Downpatrick, Co. Down. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. The day's spirit is to celebrate the universal baptization of Ireland.

Today,we at Saint Patrick's B.N.S. follow in our patron saint's footsteps. We are ever inspired by his leadership and wholly enriched through his teachings. That is why we always make the most of Saint Patrick celebrations.