Year after year people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, but how many people stop and take time to remember the history behind the holiday? While it is true that most associate the day with all things Irish, including leprechauns, shamrocks, and pots of gold at the end of rainbows, many forget that St. Patrick’s Day is actually held in honor of a great man who lived long ago?
Some time in the year 387, one of the world’s most popular saints was born (catholic.org). Saint Patrick, also known as the Apostle of Ireland, was a Christian who was born at Kilpatrick in Scotland. He was the son of highly ranked Roman family members who held the office of decurio in Gaul.
Although the exact age is unknown, somewhere between the ages of 14 and 16 Patrick was kidnapped by Irish marauders and carried off into captivity where he worked for six years as a slave, tending to herds of sheep (newadvent.org). During this time of hopelessness, Patrick turned to prayer and reassurance from God to guide him through. Over his six years as a salve in Ireland, he learned the languages and practices of the people he was surrounded by. He also dreamed about converting the people of Ireland to Christianity.
At the age of about 20, Patrick had a dream sent from God that he should head towards the coast. Patrick followed these orders and happened to find a way back to his family in Britain. During a second revelation from an angel, Patrick was told to set out to Ireland again to convert the people to Christianity. Patrick went into studying and training for 15 years (history.com), until St. Germanus, the bishop of Auxerre, ordained him a priest. Eventually Patrick was ordained a bishop and learned that it was finally time for him to venture to Ireland to spread the word of God.
On March 25, 433, Patrick arrived in Ireland at Saul and built his first church. He stayed for over 40 years. During this time he acquired a large following of disciples, who together, spread the word of the Gospel, and built churches across the countryside. They preached to and converted thousands of the Irish people; ministering to Christians already living in Ireland, and opening a new world of faith to those who were not. After hearing Patrick’s message, even kings decided to convert to Christianity, ordering their kingdoms to do the same.
Patrick died on March 17, 461, which is now known as St. Patrick’s Day. Throughout Patrick’s life and mission works, he documented his discoveries and thoughts. As a slave, he wrote about his faith in God, which gave him hope that he could some day return to his family. As a bishop and missionary, he wrote about his love for Christ and the people he was converting in what is called Confessions. Through Patrick’s mission works, people all over the world today are proud to display their Irish heritage.
“It’s tradition, on St. Patrick’s Day I get to more fully experience my heritage. I also get to [Irish] dance,” said Katy Exline, senior at Hayes and proud Irish devotee.
“My dad’s side of the family is German and Irish, and my mom is Irish too,” explained Exline, who said that each year she makes certain to celebrate the holiday. Some years she goes to Vets Memorial to watch fellow Hayes students Olivia and Emily O’Sullivan participate in Irish dancing.
Junior at Hayes and Irish dancer, Emily O’Sullivan, explained that St. Patrick’s Day is “life” since Irish dance revolves around it.
“I wear green, my family eats a traditional Irish meal, and I dance at Vets Memorial on St. Patrick’s Day for the Irish Family Reunion,” said O’Sullivan, who is equally Irish on both sides of her family.
So next time this festive holiday rolls around, remember that there is more to this day than wearing green. It is a day or remembrance and thanks for the works of St. Patrick and his lifelong mission in Ireland.