Tomorrow, the 17th March is Saint Patrick’s Day. There are no definite dates for him but it is generally thought that he was a 5th-century Christian missionary and Bishop in Ireland. When he was 16, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken from his home in Britain to be a slave. During this time, he was an animal herder. It was during his time in captivity that he turned to God and was forgiven for his sins and this led to his spiritual development. After six years he escaped and returned to Britain. He studied in Europe and after having a vision that the people of Ireland were calling him back, he returned and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.
It is believed that he used a three-leafed shamrock to explain and teach the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Many paintings and stain-glass windows depict Patrick with a cross in one hand and a bunch of shamrock in the other.
He is also credited with banishing snakes from Ireland. There is no evidence that there were ever snakes in Ireland.
Apparently, he herded sheep on Slemish Mountain in Co. Antrim. I used to live about 10 miles from Slemish and on the 17th March we used to traditionally climb the mountain. I was always very glad that there were no snakes.
There will be many parades all over the world in celebration of St. Patrick. Green is very much the colour which is used with buildings turning green and thousands of people wearing green. There may also be a few green sheep.
This year, as the 17th is on a Sunday the holiday will be celebrated on the 18th. One of the events is the final of the Schools Cup rugby . This is either the oldest or 2nd oldest rugby tournament in the world. This year it involves a team from my old school and a team from my husband’s. We will be supporting opposing teams so one of us will be happy!
There are so many people supporting different causes and faiths but we need to work together to make this world a better place for all humanity.
Patrick didn’t know when he was taken as a slave just how much his life would affect others but God knew.