Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17…

Who would have ever thought the wonderful life of Saint Patrick was once in a pagan atmosphere? Saint Patrick was born in Wales in 385 AD. His name was Maewyn. Actually, he wasn’t born Irish at all but his Catholic ministry brought him to Ireland with the burning hope of converting every pagan to Christianity.

A local pastor once had a quotation on the church marquee that said, “Saints have a past; sinners have a future.” That certainly should bring relief to some of us if not all.

Being raised around pagans in ancient Europe, Saint Patrick only became a dynamic believer in Christianity after being sold as a slave by pagan marauders when he was only sixteen years old. After six years under severe conditions he was convinced there was a Supreme Being far greater than the multiple beliefs of paganism including gods and goddesses not unlike some forms of mythology. It is said that a premonition from God encouraged his escape. From that point he did successfully escape his captors and slave master.

He went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for twelve years. Having been then appointed as second bishop of Ireland, he set out to develop his life time goal by traveling throughout Ireland converting pagans to Christianity for which he was very successful. This benevolent endeavor lasted for thirty years until his retirement in County Down.

Much has been said by countless followers of Saint Patrick which consist of not only Roman Catholics but Protestants as well and maybe some others. After all, it is said “everyone” is Irish for at least one day and proudly wear the traditional green as the ‘first green of spring’.

Traditional stories of Saint Patrick claim (though not believed to be true) he preached from the top of a hill which drove the snakes out of Ireland. Of course, it is also believed there were no snakes in Ireland to begin with and it is just a metaphor referring to pagans. Furthermore, the symbol of the shamrock or three leaf clover was used by Saint Patrick to explain the holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Originally, Saint Patrick’s Day was a Catholic holy day and it is now more of a secular day. Also, following a long time tradition, it is often a day of celebration of friendly and jovial people. Parades, river dancing, costume parties and general fun and pleasure are important events sharing the memory of a saint of the past. Some even include a friendly ‘pint’ they colorfully added a splash of green food coloring to further the tradition of saluting spring.

Gosh and begorah, may the luck of the Irish be with you today!

Bob Jamison is a freelance writer. His web: Jamisonwildlife.com