St. Patrick (387-464)

Patrick was the son of a Roman officer stationed in Britain.  At the age of sixteen he was carried off by Irish pirates and he spent six years as a slave in Ireland. He escaped and returned home, but some time later was captured again by Irish invaders. Patrick escaped a second time. During his six years as a slave Patrick turned to God. Back in Britain, he studied for the priesthood. He worked among the Britain's  for some 15 years before he determined to become a missionary in Ireland. He was set on being God to the godless people there. When he was 42 Patrick was made a bishop and was sent to northern and western Ireland where no one had preached the Gospel before. Once in Ireland Patrick was frequently in danger of losing his life because Druids who were magicians and wizards plotted against him. He also met with resistance from British priests who criticized his way of ministering. In response to his critics he wrote "Confessio", an autobiographic work that deals with his life and beliefs. Patrick showed compassion for all classes of people. It is said that he used the shamrock to teach that there is only one God but three divine Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He set up monasteries and convents, established parishes, adapted Irish celebrations to Christian feasts and worked a abolish paganism. Patrick is credited with organizing the Church in Ireland and establishing it on a lasting foundation. As for ridding Ireland snakes, who's to really know? The Feast Day of St. Patrick is March 17th. 

The lower window contains a Miter, Cross and Crozier which are symbols of the office of bishop.