The Legend of St Patrick

While the wind whistles around us at a furious pace and the ground is still laden with snow, it is hard to grasp that there are better times ahead. I could go into economic collapse and being on the verge of the real-life zombie apocalypse. Still, I refuse, let us leave that for the messengers of bad news and sensationalism- your local network news.
I am honestly looking for much better and brighter pastures.

With March upon us, we have a two (three if you include my brother’s birthday- coincidentally, his name is Patrick too) significant events on the horizon. One of them is March break- this only affects teachers and students. For the rest of us, it is just another long week with less road congestion —nothing to look ahead to here. If only there were “an unofficial” international event that everyone is allowed to participate in, no matter what their race, religion or sexual preferences are. If you guessed Saint Patrick’s day, you would be astoundingly correct. For this one day, and festivities leading up to it, everyone on the entire planet is welcome to become Irish, not politically but spiritually. This begins the story of The Legend of St Patrick.

Beware of March 17th

Initially, Saint Patrick’s day was celebrated as a Christian feast to celebrate the life of St Patrick’s life. The spreading of Christianity to the people of Ireland. Each year the day is officially celebrated on March 17th, although in some areas, the celebrations may go beyond the designated day. Creating The Legend of St Patrick. March 17th is said to be the date of St Patrick’s deaths in the 5th century ( 493 AD). Today it is a celebration of all things Irish. From turning the Chicago river green -a fifty-year-old tradition (with food colour) to local 5 and 10 Km runs and large parades that celebrate everything Irish. Events are numerous and varied.

The Patron Saint of Ireland

Often it is asked, was he a real person or a fictitious entity created to sell green beer? Abolish the thought. St Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He is also known to have rid Ireland of all the snakes that inhabited the land. Although this is probably fictitious as snakes are not native to Ireland. There is no documentation before the 5th century indicating that were not any snakes. So let’s give him that one too. Either way, it is enough for anyone to celebrate a day in his honour.

The man the myth the legend

St Patrick was born in Western Britain (while under Roman rule) as Maewyn Succat in the late 4th century. His parents were Christian, but it is said that he was an atheist. Maurding Irish pirates kidnapped young Maewyn at the age of 16. He was and forced to work as a shepherd in the interior of Ireland for the next six years. Always plotting a time to escape, that day came. He had to make his way through 200 miles of hostile countryside. Believed to be county Mayo, to make it to the coast. With some mighty persuasion, he convinced a ship’s captain to take him aboard and return him to Britain.

Divine intervention

 He was convinced that the spirit of the Lord guided his safe return home. Maewyn knew that his real work would be to spread the word of Christianity. One evening during a very vivid dream, he understood that not only should he do the lords work, but his calling should be the land where he once held captive- Ireland. 

 A studious Maewyn spent the next 15 years learning and understanding the Christian faith at monastic settlements in Italy, in what is now modern-day France—being ordained as a Deacon around the year 418 AD by the Bishop of Auxerre, France. Later he was appointed as a Bishop in 432AD. True to his convictions, now St Patricius returned to Ireland. Where he began his quest to bring Christianity to the people of Ireland.

 So our paths cross again.

Christianity was not foreign to the shores of Ireland, still, many of the inhabitants followed there ancestral paths of paganism. When St. Patrick returned to Ireland, he was able to use his knowledge of Irish culture, as an aid of acceptance. He would be a spiritual leader that would guide the Christians in Ireland and covert those from the older religions to the new enlightenment. St Patrick’s, paths took him to villages both large and small to bring the gospel to the people of Ireland.

Christianity made easy

 He explained Christianity in a way that made sense to the Irish. He was very successful in converting many of the natives. One of the methods that St Patrick used to explain the holy trinity was the Shamrock -although this has never been proven. Its shape was an ideal representation of this understanding. It is a symbol that has become associated with Irish Catholicism. Through his exhaustive work and much diligence, he was able to establish the first Church of Ireland.

“May it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this most remote land. I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing.”

-St. Patrick.

And an excellent Saint was he

As with most historical accounts, we should recognize that there may be slight embellishments. To aid in creating a glorified soul such as St. Patrick. Unlike many of his peers-past and present, he has not only brought Christianity to Ireland but has also succeeded in bringing a day of goodwill, cheer and celebration to anyone that would like to join. This day has superseded a purely religious affair and has become all-inclusive.

For those that want to join in for a green beer while having Corned beef and cabbage, during running a 5 Km with a shamrock on your head, enjoy. Although a national Holiday in Ireland, everyone worldwide is welcome to be Irish for one day without fear of prejudice. Embrace The Legend of St Patrick.

So go out and have a pint. Or not, no pressure.

Do you have something on the go this March 17th? Please share, as many of us are still looking “to get our Irish on.” As my leprechaun friend would always say: “God bless ya.”

If you are still not convinced, I would suggest you stay tuned for some St.Patrick’s day outing ideas.

This privilege has been ours.

 Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE