All Posts Tagged With: "Irish"

HAPPY TRADITIONAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY. Saint Patrick (Latin: Patricius, Irish: Naomh Pádraig) was a Christian missionary and is the patron saint of Ireland along with Brigid of Kildare and Columba. Patrick was born sometime around 408-410 AD in Roman Britain. When he was about sixteen he was captured by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. He entered religious life and study returned to Ireland as a missionary Patrick ministering in northern Ireland from 433 AD onwards.  According to the latest reconstruction of the old Irish annals, Patrick died in AD 493. Legend says Patrick banned snakes from Ireland but post glacial Ireland never had snakes so that for which he is so well-known is myth. It is much more likely that St. Patrick used the three-leafed Shamrock to teach the Trinity, as in te Nicene Creed opposed to the popular if contrary Arian nontrionitarian idea. There is no proof of the enduring Shamrock legend. 

By the 8^th century he had become the patron saint of Ireland. March 17^th is believed to be the date of Patrick’s death and why his festival is usually that date. This year St. Patrick’s Day falls during HOLY WEEK so it was officially celebrated March 14^th.

For the first time in nearly 70 years, the luck of the Irish has run out, and March 17^th – St. Patrick’s Day falls during Holy Week. So, the Catholic Church has moved the saint’s holiday to Friday, March 14^th. But, not everyone will honor the Vatican’s decree and any number of Irish will likely celebrate on both days, and preferably over the four day weekend. This calendar conflict won’t happen again until 2160 depressing whiskey distillers worldwide.