St. Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Contrary to popular belief, he wasn’t Irish. He was born around A.D. 375 in Britain, probably somewhere in Scotland, though the exact date and place are unknown.

When he was 16, St. Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland to herd and tend sheep.

After six years in captivity, he escaped after having a dream sent by God, telling him to leave Ireland by going to the coast where he would find a ship waiting to sail to Britain.

He later became a priest and a bishop and is known for two short works: Confessio and Letter to Coroticus.

After overcoming doubts, and motivated by a deep sense of purpose, he returned to Ireland, where he preached and converted people for 40 years, amid opposition and formidable difficulties—not a small accomplishment, given the circumstances at that time.

As you can see, St. Patrick’s life and spiritual quest were guided by a strong sense of purpose. Difficulties and obstacles didn’t matter. They just made him stronger and helped him to achieve what he set out to do: share the gospel across Ireland.

Although most people nowadays know St. Patrick thanks to the popular parades that are held all over the world to celebrate Irishness (not to mention the custom of raising a glass of green beer to the saint), there are several interesting facts that guided his life and that we could all learn from to do better in our own lives.

It is living our lives by modeling good values.