St Patrick is the most generally recognised patron saint of Ireland. He was known for receiving a vision that he was called to do mission work in Ireland, a pagan country at the time. He travelled all over the country where the faith had never been preached, obtained the protection of local kings and made numerous converts. Patrick was encouraging widows to remain chaste as well as young women to consecrate their virginity to Christ. He ordained many priests, divided the country into dioceses, held Church councils, founded several monasteries and continually urged his people to greater holiness in Christ. Patrick was a man of action, with little inclination toward learning. He had a rock-like belief in his vocation, in the cause he had espoused.
