Saint Patrick
385 — 461 · Feast day: March 17
Kidnapped from Roman Britain by Irish pirates at sixteen, Patrick spent six years as a slave shepherd before escaping after a dream directed him to a waiting ship. He trained for the priesthood, was consecrated bishop, then returned — heeding a vision of the Irish calling him back — to the very people who had enslaved him. He baptized thousands, ordained clergy, and founded the church at Armagh.