Why did St. Patrick drive all the snakes out of Ireland? He couldn’t afford plane fare. Despite the jokes, St. Patrick actually did not drive any snakes out of Ireland because there were no snakes in Ireland. He did, however, Christianize Ireland in the fifth century, thus earning the namesake for the famous annual St. Patrick Day holiday that is celebrated worldwide. St. Patrick was born with the name Maewyn Succat, as history goes, and he was actually not a native-born Irish. It is thought that his birthplace was either Scotland or Roman England, and though scholars differ, many agree he was born either 390 or 373 A.D. Patricius was his Roman name, but most knew him as Patrick. The son of a Roman-British army officer, Patrick was kidnapped by a band of pirates in south Wales one day, along with a group of other boys. He was sold into slavery for six years in Ireland, and most of the time, held captive. While he was imprisoned, he claimed that he had a dream where he saw God. According to the story, God told him in his dream that he would escape in a ship. As legend would have it, he was able to escape and then travel to Britain, and then to France, where he spent 12 years in a monastery training under St. Germain, the bishop of Auxerre. Once he became a bishop, he had another dream – one that summoned him back to the Irish to spread the word of God. With the Pope’s blessing, Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the Gaelic Irish to Christianity. Most of them were pagans at the time. For 20 years, Patrick traveled throughout Ireland, preaching, baptizing and confirming Irish people nationwide. He was even able to convert some members of the royal families. He was arrested many times and contradicted the Celtic Druids (the pagan religious sect), but was still able to set up many churches and schools about the country. According to the legend, Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to conceptualize the Trinity for the Irish people, using each of the three leaves to depict the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Evidently, he also placed a curse from God on the poisonous snakes in Ireland, where he then drove them and drowned them in the sea. It is more likely that this was an allegory for the Celtic Druids, rather than actual snakes, as Ireland never had any. Patrick died March 17, 461 A.D., and ever since, that day has been commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day. It began as a Catholic day of feasting, celebration and remembrance, but has extended to a cultural celebration of the Irish worldwide. As you enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day, reflect on the history of the day and know that it means more than just wearing green or waving a shamrock. It is the celebration of the heritage of a people who are proud of how and where they came from.
The Luck of the Irish
Photo Courtesy of: Wikipedia
St. Patrick depicted with shamrock in detail of stained glass window in St. Benin's Church, Kilbennan, County Galway, Ireland.
Photo Courtesy of: Geograph
Statue of St Patrick near Saul, County Down, Northern Ireland.
Photo Courtesy of: Wikimedia
St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Atlas statue in front of Rockefeller Center in New York City.
March 14, 2018 at 12:18pm. Views: 100
Related Articles
By Hattie Strong, Community Writer
November 13, 2026 at 04:48pm. Views: 114
Join the celebration on Sunday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Richard Rollins Community Park. Come play, have fun, win prizes and help celebrate 48 years of Grand Terrace!
By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 649
BBOP Information Session The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, an Inland Empire economic and workforce development hub and a project of Time for Change Foundation, has launched Pathways to Prosperity, its Employment Training Pathway Program (ETPP), a comprehensive workforce initiative designed to connect residents facing barriers to employment with the skills, credentials, hands-on experience and employer relationships needed to enter and advance in high-demand careers.
By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 451
Nearly a century after opening its doors, the downtown landmark remains an important connection between the city's entertainment history and its cultural future. In downtown San Bernardino, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts stands as a reminder of a time when attending a movie or live performance was one of the most anticipated social occasions in a growing Southern California city.
By William Cortez, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 424
With winter approaching, emergency officials are coordinating flood prevention, roadway maintenance and public alerts to help residents prepare for dangerous weather. A heavy rainstorm can change the landscape of San Bernardino in a matter of hours. Streets that ordinarily carry commuters and school buses can become difficult to navigate, drainage channels can fill rapidly, and neighborhoods near foothills may face increased risks from flooding and debris.
By William Cortez, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 410
A sweeping decision involving California's most serious criminal sentences has drawn strong opposition from San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, placing the county's chief prosecutor at the center of a statewide debate over justice, victims' rights and executive authority.
By Socorro Pantaleon, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:14am. Views: 309
Group photos of WVWD Board Members and winning students of the 2026 Poster Contest
By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 485
During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility for scholarships supporting college and career training.
By Mike Hoover. President, Inland Empire Civil War Round Table, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 313
University of Redlands student Khouri Evans-Dangerfield will examine slavery, constitutional law and the decisions that divided a nation during a free November 15 presentation at A.K. Smiley Public Library.
By William Cortez, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 311
November 11 screening of acclaimed film “All We Imagine as Light” invites students and community members to experience international cinema and discussion. Films can transport audiences to places they have never visited, introduce them to unfamiliar experiences and encourage them to consider how people in different parts of the world navigate relationships, work and personal challenges.
By Willam Cortez, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 322
A decision announced in Sacramento could change the sentences of hundreds of California prisoners, bringing renewed attention to the death penalty and the future of criminal punishment across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom announced November 5 that he intends to commute the death sentences of all 548 people currently sentenced to death in California.
By Stella Pierce, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 373
November 21 event at Olive Avenue Market will introduce residents to drought-tolerant landscaping, city rebates and the benefits of native plants. A beautiful garden does not have to depend on a large lawn or plants that require frequent watering.
By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer
November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 259
A school announcement can contain information that changes a family's entire afternoon. A reminder about an upcoming meeting, a schedule adjustment or a message from a teacher may determine when a parent leaves work, arranges transportation or helps a child prepare for the next school day.