Patrick
Saint Patrick is the patron of Ireland because, captured there as a slave-boy and returning as a bishop, he converted the whole island to Christ — he is its apostle. He is invoked against snakebites from the famous legend that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland (which has, in fact, no native snakes), a tale read as a symbol of his casting out paganism. He is claimed as patron of engineers because tradition credits him with introducing the lime mortar and arched construction of stone churches to Ireland, and of paralegals and clerks by association with the immense legal and documentary work of organizing the early Irish Church. His protection against fear is rooted in his great prayer, the “Lorica” or Breastplate of Saint Patrick, which arms the soul against every danger.
Saint Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland, was born in Roman Britain around 385 AD. Captured by Irish raiders at age sixteen, he spent six years in captivity before escaping and later returning to Ireland as a missionary bishop. He is credited with converting much of Ireland to Christianity.
Saint Patrick's Breastplate (Lorica) (Lorica Sancti Patricii)
