 Patrick Ludden was born in Breaffy, near Castlebar, County Mayo, to Anthony and Ellen (née Fitzgerald) Ludden.He graduated from St. Jarlath's College in Tuam in 1861 and then immigrated to North America, where he entered the Grand Seminary of Montreal in Quebec, Canada.After completing his theological studies, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Ignace Bourget on May 21, 1864.