mar 17, 699 - Saint Patrick

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Born in the late 5th century. was kidnapped when he was 16 from Britain to Ireland and sold a slave. Turned to Christianity to cope. Eventually escaped. Trained to become a Christian priest and went back to Ireland to convert the Irish people to Christianity. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on 17th March.

Christianization of Europe
Christians were persecuted throughout the Roman Empire for centuries. As a result, Christians remained secretive, sometimes going as far as to meet and worship in underground catacombs. Beginning in the Middle East, Christianity began its spread north and west into Europe, carried by merchants, missionaries, and soldiers.
After St. Patrick returned to Ireland (after being captured by pirates), he led efforts to convert the population. Through the work of him and others, a thriving Christian community was established in the fifth and sixth centuries.
Efforts to bring Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England were smooth, but during the seventh century Christian missionaries, sent from both Ireland and the Papacy, were able to convert various rulers.

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