Every year come March 17, people across the country dress up in green, flock to bars, and use any means at their disposal to have a good time. But how did St. Patrick’s Day come to be the all-inclusive, fun-loving festival celebrated around the globe today?

Despite being a largely cultural celebration today, St. Patrick’s Day’s origins are rooted in the history of the Catholic Church, and the man credited with spreading its influence to Ireland — Saint Patrick.