Saint Patrick—patron saint of Ireland and one of the patron saints of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Patrick’s grandfather was a Catholic priest in Brittan and his father a deacon, but Patrick himself was not an active believer. At the age of sixteen Patrick was captured and taken to Ireland where he was enslaved and held captive for six years. Patrick wrote that his time in captivity was critical to his spiritual development. He understood that the Lord had mercy on his youth and ignorance, and afforded him the opportunity to be forgiven of his sins. While in captivity, Patrick strengthened his relationship with God through prayer, eventually leading him to convert to Christianity. Feast day: March 17.