In honor of Saint Patrick

So just who is this Saint Patrick, whose day we celebrate each year with corned beef and cabbage, green beer and the wearing of the green?

He was the patron saint of Ireland, one of the most recognized figures in the Christian faith. Long after St. Patrick's death (purportedly March 17, 460 A.D.), that date was designated as a religious feast day.

Traditionally, the Irish observe the holiday by attending church services in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon. Some take more literally than others the notion that prohibitions of the Lenten season are suspended on March 17, as they spend the afternoon dancing, feasting and drinking.

St. Patrick is often credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland but, in fact, missionaries had

already introduced the

faith to the Irish.

Neverthless, St.

Patrick not only

worked to convert

the non-Christians,

but also spent a great

deal of time ministering to those among the Irish who had already converted.

He incorporated many of their rituals into his teachings. For example, he created the Celtic cross, a standard Christian cross superimposed by a sun, a symbol that he felt would make the Irish more comfortable in their worship.

Many myths surround St. Patrick. He is said to have driven the snakes from Ireland. In reality, there are no snakes native to the island. That reference is now seen as a metaphor for ridding the island of pagan ideology.

We've barely touched on the life of St. Patrick and the background of his special day. Further information is available at libraries or on the Internet, including a full account on the History Channel website.

"Erin go braugh" (Ireland forever), and may you be in heaven one-half hour before the devil knows you're dead!