Patrick (c. 389- c. 461) was a famous Celtic missionary to Ireland. Patrick (or, more correctly, Patricius) was captured at the age of 16 by pirates and was sold into slavery to sheepherders in Northern Ireland. After six years he escaped and made his way to Gaul (or modern day France) where he entered a monastery. He returned to England but had a vision where he saw the people of Ireland calling to him, asking that he minister to them. In about 432 he answered this call and began preaching throughout the Irish countryside, converting large numbers of people from both the peasant and the noble classes. He built dozens of churches, which led to the conversion and baptism of thousands. His efforts not only transformed the religious landscape of Ireland, he greatly influenced the work of missionaries in Britain and on the European continent as well.
