Community Chat

[gloriajean]

? St. Patrick's Day - March 17th

Patrick was the son of an English magistrate, he was born in Britain during the late fourth century. At the age of 16, he was carried off by pagan Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland. Time alone on a mountainside tending his master's sheep awakened his spirituality, and God became the focus of his life. After seven years in captivity, he had a dream directing him to the seashore, where he would find a ship to take him to freedom. Patrick followed the path revealed in his dream and escaped.
Upon returning to his homeland and family, he was haunted by memories of Ireland. Though born British, Patrick considered himself Irish, for it was in Ireland that he discovered his faith in God. Again he had a vision, this time compelling him to return to Ireland to preach the Gospel.

As a missionary in Ireland, Patrick suffered many trials, even imprisonment by the Druids. However, after winning favour with local kings, conflict with the Druids lessened, and he converted many peasants to Christianity. For 28 years, Patrick travelled across the countryside, spreading the word of God.

Where do the colour green and shamrocks come into the picture?
St. Patrick was said to have spoken much about the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some say that as he travelled the green, shamrock covered hillsides of Ireland, he would use the shamrock to explain the Trinity. The message of God: the Father, God: the Son and God: the Holy Spirit.

To all those named Patrick, have a happy feast day!

Prayer for the Faithful by Saint Patrick....
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Grace, Lord, always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.
- - -
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.