happy st. patrick's day...
We know March 17th as St. Patrick’s Day. Four-leaf clovers, green drinks, Irish jigs, parades and parties are some of the customs that mark the holiday. Even if you don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, most of us have probably worn green on the day, as tradition calls for all to wear it to avoid being pinched!
The man whose name marks the annual March 17th celebration was a priest named Patrick. He ministered in Ireland for 30 years and died on March 17th, A.D. 461. Patrick was a missionary who traveled Ireland establishing schools, churches and monasteries all with the hope of reaching people for Christ. He wrote late in his life, revealing his passion to reach others, “We ought to fish well and diligently, as our Lord exhorts. Hence we spread our nets so that a great multitude and throng might be caught for God.” Unfortunately, as is the case with so many holidays, traditions unrelated to Patrick’s story have crept in over time, and the original reason for the holiday becomes blurred. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is more known for four-leaf clovers and leprechauns than for a man who was passionate about helping others know God.
The man whose name marks the annual March 17th celebration was a priest named Patrick. He ministered in Ireland for 30 years and died on March 17th, A.D. 461. Patrick was a missionary who traveled Ireland establishing schools, churches and monasteries all with the hope of reaching people for Christ. He wrote late in his life, revealing his passion to reach others, “We ought to fish well and diligently, as our Lord exhorts. Hence we spread our nets so that a great multitude and throng might be caught for God.” Unfortunately, as is the case with so many holidays, traditions unrelated to Patrick’s story have crept in over time, and the original reason for the holiday becomes blurred. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is more known for four-leaf clovers and leprechauns than for a man who was passionate about helping others know God.