Before there were green beer parties or little green people, or gaudy plastic hats -- there was the real St. Patrick. He was kidnapped as a teenager and forced into slavery, only to escape and become one of the legendary figures in Christian history. Here's a little more about the real St. Patrick. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was kidnapped from his home by Irish marauders and taken to Ireland, where he was sold as a slave to a chieftain and forced to herd livestock. After six years of slavery, Patrick escaped to Britain. Because he believed that God's hand was in it all, Patrick devoted his life to ministry. While studying for the priesthood, he experienced recurring dreams in which he heard voices say, “O holy youth, come back... and walk once more amongst us.” He convinced his superiors to let him return to Ireland in 432, not to seek revenge for injustice but to seek reconciliation and to spread his faith. Over the next thirty years, Patrick established churches and monastic communities across Ireland. When he was not engaged in the work of spreading the Christian faith, Patrick spent his time praying in his favorite places of solitude and retreat. This prayer is attributed to Patrick: Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen. Thank you brother Patrick -- for your life. May we celebrate you well today.