St. Patrick was born Maewyn Succat and his birth date is unknown, but his death was said to have occured around March 17. Hence, the reason why he is commemorated on this day. Believe it or not, Patrick was not actually Irish nor was he a Christian during most of his upbringing even though both his father and grandfather held positions in the church.

At the age of sixteen it was written that he was captured and held by Irish pirates and was enslaved in Ireland for approximately six years, which was the catalyst of his spiritual development. He worked as a shepherd during his time in captivity and believed that the Lord had mercy on is youthful ignorance, which led him to repentance. Being a shepherd allowed Patrick to meditate, pray, and become more spiritual, developing his relationship with God and eventually converting to Christianity. He eventually escaped his captors and fled back home to Britain, but during his travel home he had a dream that he would preach Christianity to the Irish people.

After returning to his parents in Wales, Patrick traveled to France where he studied and became a priest and then a bishop; where he changed his name to what is known today as Patrick. Many of his superiors did not favor Patrick as a respectable person to send on a mission to Ireland because of his deficient education. Nevertheless, God had something else in mind when the death of Bishop Palladius in 431AD allowed Patrick the opportunity to be his successor and be consecrated Bishop of Ireland.  

His mission was to concentrate on the north and west of Ireland where the Gospel had not been preached before. Unfortunately, Patrick was not welcomed by the locals and had to secure protection from the local kings in order to travel throughout the country to establish monasteries and to convert people to Christ. It is documented that he worked as a missionary in Ireland for over 40 years. Furthermore, Patrick was a typical 5th century bishop who documented several of his works. He baptized thousands of people, he celebrated the eucharist, he instituted nuns and monks, and he ordained clergy members.

Patrick’s life is recorded in his work Confesso (Confession) written in the early years of his life, and there is much to be learned about the adversity he faced and how he persevered by his faith in God’s purpose for his life. In the Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus, Patrick demonstrated his care for the less fortunate who were captured and enslaved because of their conversion to Christianity. 

On the other hand, when it comes to holidays like St. Patrick's Day, people have come to commemorate those who have contributed in a significant way to the formulation and growth of Christianity in various ways. There is much controversy behind the commemoration of St. Patrick's Day because of the traditions that have been attached to it. Many associate St. Patrick's day with parades and drunkenness, which happens to be the one day during Lent season where people are allowed to indulge in the festivities associated with the holiday. However, Christians should be honoring and commemorating Patrick as a true missionary of faith without falling into the negative connotations associated with this day, and celebrate St. Patrick's Day holy and honorably, just as our Father in heaven is holy.

Resources:

http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/life_of_saint_patrick.htm

https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/philosophy-and-religion/saints/saint-patrick

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/st-patrick-day

https://www.confessio.ie/more/article_kelly#