Details of Saint Patrick's life are uncertain. Current research places his dates of birth and death a little later than earlier accounts. He may have been born in Dunbarton, Scotland; Cumberland, England; or in northern Wales. At 16, Patrick and a large number of his father’s slaves and vassals were captured by Irish raiders and sold as slaves in Ireland. After six years, Patrick escaped, probably to France, and later returned to Britain at the age of 22. He experienced a spiritual conversion in captivity. He spent years at Auxerre, France, and was consecrated bishop at 43. His great desire was to proclaim the good news to the Irish. He was opposed by pagan druids and was criticized in both England and Ireland for the way he conducted his mission; however, in a relatively short time, the island began to experience the Christian spirit. The fruits of Saint Patrick's works continue today. He is the patron saint of engineers, Ireland, and Nigeria. Saint Patrick, pray for us.