First...I must admit that I have drunk my fair share of green beer and sham-rocked away many St. Patrick Days. I am reminding myself as much as anyone else, to remember the great St. Patrick in a way that truly honors him.
March 17th is the Feast Day of St. Patrick. He is remembered for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Like some other famous Saints, Patrick's Feast has been taken captive much like the young Patrick himself. It's a bit ironic that one of the greatest Irish, Catholic Saints came from Britain. He was captured, enslaved, then broke free only to return to convert the Irish to Christianity. He traveled fearlessly around Ireland facing the pagan kings and those who once took away his freedom, only to repay them with true freedom.
As a daily communicant I sometimes loose the specialness of going to mass on a feast day. In past years it has been a pleasure to go to St. Patrick's in our town for mass. I have also enjoyed the Irish Family Reunion and celebrating with the vibrant Irish community at The Shamrock Club and local pubs. I've been blessed by many special friendships brought together by culture, religion, music, and laughter. I have wonderful memories of traveling to Ireland once with my husband and then a very special trip with his side of the family. The Irish and Ireland hold a special place in my heart.
While it is a myth that St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland, I feel that the good St. Patrick would find that a new serpent has not only taken over his feast day but is slithering his way back onto his beloved Ireland. This "Isle of Saints" could use all their intercession to bring back the fire of faith to the country.
So remember to ask for the intercession of St. Patrick, pray for Ireland and all the Irish people near and far.
St.Patrick, pray for us🙏
