Return to Britain and Gaul
One
night a voice came to Patrick in a dream, he was told that he would
soon return to his home country. After six years of servitude Patrick
escaped. He would have had to travel about 200 Roman miles; and his
journey was probably towards Killala Bay and onwards to Westport.
Patrick managed to get a place on a ship which would take him back to
his homeland. The ship took him to the country thought to be Gaul
- a land devastated by raids. The men wandered aimlessly through the
devastated land for 28days until Patrick advised the men to "turn from
your faith and give your heart to my Lord God, and he will send us food,"
a herd of pigs soon appeared and they were saved.
Legend says that Patrick is may have been taken captive once again, though it is not clear by whom. However within a matter of months he is returned safely and is able to continue on his journey back to his family and friends who he had ruthlessly been torn away from.
During his time at home, Patrick had a dream in which he saw a man
called Victorious, in his hands he held letters, one of which read,
'The cry of the Irish.' Patrick clearly saw this as a sign that it was
now time for him to return to the people among whom he had served as
a slave. Some years preparation were required for his return - Patrick
became a deacon in the local church, and eventually was Ordained between
the years 416 - 418AD. Returning to Ireland in the year 432 to commence
his Christian work. 
