St. Patrick, March 17
Born in Roman Britain around 385, Patrick was kidnapped by pirates at 16 and spent six years as a slave in Ireland. After escaping and becoming a priest, he went back as a bishop and spent his life preaching there. His Confession, written in his own words, survives; he is the patron of Ireland.
On the General Roman Calendar, March 17 is an optional memorial: Saint Patrick, bishop.
Other saints on March 17
- St. Gertrude of Nivelles, abbess (659)
Name days on March 17
In countries that keep name days, March 17 is the day for people named Patrick, Patricia, and Pat. These names come from the same saint, as variants, nicknames or forms used in other languages.
| Name | Feast day |
|---|---|
| Patrick | March 17 |
| Patricia | March 17 |
| Pat | March 17 |
March 17 on the calendar
March 17 is the 76th day of the year (the 77th in a leap year), with 289 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | Saturday |
| 2030 | Sunday |
Keeping March 17
March 17 falls in winter. As an optional memorial, each parish or priest may choose whether to celebrate it. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival. If you know someone named Patrick, Patricia, and Pat, it is a good day to send a note.
Saints of the week around March 17
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| March 14 | St. Matilda |
| March 15 | St. Louise de Marillac |
| March 16 | St. Heribert of Cologne |
| March 18 | St. Cyril of Jerusalem |
| March 19 | St. Joseph |
| March 20 | St. Cuthbert |
The day before, March 16, is the day of St. Heribert of Cologne. The day after, March 18, belongs to St. Cyril of Jerusalem. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.