One of the most well known of Christianity's Saints is the Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Patrick, a missionary to Ireland during the fifth century A.D. was born into wealth during the latter part of the fouth century and taken into captivity by raiders believed to be attacking his family's estate.
While most Saint Patrick's Day reveler's celebrate the feast day of this inspired cleric with the wearing of the green and imbibing various forms of alchohol, Patrick's story is one of endurance and perseverance over adversity tempered his faith in God.
Guided by his desire to fulfill his calling to convert the Irish people to Christianity, Patrick used his familiarity with Irish language and culture to explain the gospel to the Celtic people of the Emerald Isle.
More information about Saint Patrick can be found here and here.
(Portrait from Catholic Community Forum)