Irish Blessing

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Why celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland is also regarded as the patron saint of the common man, the disadvantaged, the downtrodden, the ignored and the excluded. He was truly a man of the people. He had egalitarian and feminist leanings (although he didn’t know it.) He was the first individual to publicly denounce slavery. He was the first, after Jesus, in the Christian world to speak respectfully of women. He was a mystic and had an interesting, miraculous life. He is a legendary heroic figure of mythical proportions and colorful stories surround his life in Ireland.

One legend holds it that St. Patrick rid Ireland of the scourge of snakes, much in the tradition of St. George and the dragon. The story says that with his wooden staff he chased the serpents into the sea. Probably there were never snakes in Ireland, (most likely snakes symbolize the druidic pagans) but it makes for a good story. Another traditional legend tells that St. Patrick used a shamrock in his talks to demonstrate the Holy Trinity (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) of Christian belief. The word shamrock comes from the Gaelic word seamrog, which means "trefoil" or "little clover." The shamrock is the national flower of Ireland. This also is apparently apocryphal.

Whatever the truth, he certainly was a man with remarkable spirit who changed the course of history. This holiday provides an opportunity for Ireland to celebrate its rich culture and heritage. For one day, at least, we are all included in the brotherhood (and sisterhood) of the Irish.

The Story of St. Patrick

Born Patricius, of a prominent Celtic Briton family, circa 390 AD in what is now Scotland. (World Book states 389-461 AD) He later took the Christian name Patrick. He is the only individual from 5^th Century Ireland or England with any historical record. So the story is somewhat sketchy and certainly confabulated. Kidnapped as a teen (approx 16 yrs) by marauders from Ireland, he was sold and enslaved to the pagan chieftain-king Miliucc. He worked as a shepherd. His pastoral experience, coupled with the abuse of his captors, led him to begin a communication with God who had been introduced to him by his Christian grandfather. He recited the Lord’s prayer repeatedly, many times a day. As he continued his love of God increased.

Eventually, he began to have mystical experiences. Guided by dreams and visions, he was led through the major crossroads of his life. His first experience guided him to escape his enslavement. In his sleep he heard a voice clearly say, "Your hungers are rewarded: You are going home. Soon you will see your own country. Look…See, your ship is ready." He leaves immediately. After traveling 200 arduous miles, he miraculously finds a boat, which is readying for an excursion. He negotiates with the captain to take him and receive payment from his family in Britain, but the captain refuses him passage. He is dismayed and as he walks the beach to find a place to rest. He prays again, "You led me to this ship, O Lord. I know you won’t fail me now. Suddenly, a sailor catches up to him and informs him that the captain has changed his mind and will allow him to go, but he must hurry as the tide was in and departure was imminent. He took this as a sign that God had responded again. The three-day trip landed them on a desolate, unpopulated shore, probably in France. For a month Patrick and the crew searched for food and shelter. Finally in desperation, the mocking pagan captain asked Patrick to pray for them. "You say your God is great and powerful…Pray for us. Patrick says, "be truly converted with all your heart to the Lord, my God. Nothing is impossible for him." Just then a herd of pigs cross the road and all were fed. Shortly thereafter they came upon civilization.

While in France, Patrick visited and studied with the French Bishop Germanus of Auxerre. Here he expanded his knowledge of Latin, became versed in the scriptures and developed a love for spiritual study. He was ordained here. Finally, he returns to Britain and receives a warm, excited welcome. His people beg him never to leave again. Nevertheless, he remains in Britain only a short time. Another message from God is delivered to him in a recurrent dream. Victorius, a man he knew in Ireland, appears with an enormous stack of letters. He pulls one out and hands it to Patrick. It is entitled "The Voice of the Irish". As he read the letter he heard a multitude of voices exclaiming, "Holy boy, we beg you to come and walk among us once more." He was so moved by this that he woke up. The dream recurred again and again until he eventually decided that he must abide this message and return to Ireland. Much to the dismay of his townsfolk and wealthy family, he departs. He was made bishop of Ireland by Pope Celestine I in Rome and in about 430 AD he begins his mission. His calling is to deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ to the pagan barbarians of Ireland.

In fact, he was actually the first true missionary. (Paul is generally accorded this honor, but he traveled beyond the Greco-Roman world.) Against tremendous, powerful opposition he sets out to do his work. His first stop in Ireland is to encounter Miliucc, his old captor. He was going to reimburse him and buy his freedom and then attempt to convert him. Miliucc gets wind of Patrick’s intentions. In order to avoid Patrick, the pagan chieftain gathered his possessions and created a conflagration with himself in the middle. Patrick arrives in time to view the funeral pyre. This reconciliation, this conversion was not to be. Disappointed, confused, but ever the perseverant one, Patrick proceeds on to his next project, in Tara.

In Tara he intends to challenge the high king Loegaire and his two druid priests, Lochru and Lucetmael. He arrives at the time of the festival of Beltine, which coincided with Easter. Traditionally the Beltine celebration begins with the lighting of a bonfire by the high king. No one is to start a fire before the king or they will be put to death. In full view of the Castle, Patrick set up camp and began his own celebration. He started a giant bonfire, which attracted many of the villagers of Tara. This of course enraged the pagan powers who, in response, put a death sentence on Patrick. The druid priests tell the king that the fire must be ended tonight or the New Kingdom will overcome them.

27 Chariots were readied to capture Patrick and end the bonfire. When they reach Patrick’s camp, he is called out. With only one ally, he faces the king. The druid priest, Lochru, begins to insult Patrick and slander the Christian faith in the worst possible terms. Patrick responds by calling out to God: "O Lord, who can do all things, who sent me here: May this wicked man who blasphemes Your name be carried up out of here and die straight away." Lochru is flung into the sky and crashes his head into a rock, splitting his skull and ending his life. An enraged Loegaire calls for his men to seize Patrick. Patrick again calls out, "May God arise and His enemies be scattered." Amazingly, the midday sky turned dark and in their confusion the king’s guards began to slay one another. The ground shook and the spooked horses took off with the Chariots. The king knelt before Patrick, but his anger was not quieted.

On Easter, Patrick paid a visit to the Castle. The remaining druid, Luctmael took over where Lochru left off. He went up in flames. Patrick tells the King "Unless you believe now, you will soon die, for God’s wrath will come down upon your head." Realizing that discretion was superior to valor, he surrenders to God’s (and Patrick’s) power.

Patrick became known and his reputation generally preceded him as he traveled for the next thirty and more years to the towns and hamlets of Ireland. Although often received and respected by the chieftain-kings, he also was met with stubborn opposition. Imprisoned, living under constant threat of death, condemned, shunned and castigated, he remained undaunted. "Daily I expect murder, fraud or captivity, but I fear none of these because of the promises of heaven. I have cast myself into the hands of God Almighty who rules everywhere." During his enormously successful mission St. Patrick personally baptized tens of thousands of people and built churches all over Ireland. His influence is still inestimable. Christianity became prominent in Ireland and continuing Patrick’s work, extended his influence with missions to Scotland, England, France, Germany and Belgium. The life of St. Patrick is certainly one for the world to honor. March 17, 493 is the date traditionally attributed to his death and the 17^th is the day we dedicate to St. Patrick.

So let’s celebrate.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

May your blessings outnumber

The shamrocks that grow.

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go.