Hey there,
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!
That’s “Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!” in Irish.
Every March 17, the Catholic Church … along with much of the world … celebrates the feast day of Saint Patrick.
Of course, for many people the day is less about the Saint and more about celebrating Irish heritage … or simply enjoying the excuse to wear green. As the saying goes, on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish.
I’ll admit something: until recently, I’d never really taken a close look at the life of St. Patrick.
Like most people, I knew the highlights. The story about driving the snakes out of Ireland. The shamrock used to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity. As it turns out, some of those stories lean more toward legend than history.
But the real story is even more remarkable.
St. Patrick’s life was filled with danger, courage, and deep faith. Against tremendous odds, he helped bring Christianity to thousands in Ireland … risking his life again and again to preach the Gospel.
This week’s issue of Genuflect takes a closer look at the man behind St. Patrick’s Day: his extraordinary journey, how he became a saint, and how his feast day is celebrated around the world. We’ll also share a few ways you might celebrate the day (and a few ways you probably shouldn’t), along with some fun … including the best St. Patrick’s Day memes and a few more Irish phrases.
Here’s one more to send you on your way:
“Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!”
(St. Patrick’s Day blessings to you!)
Whether you have Irish roots or not, St. Patrick is a saint whose faith, courage, and missionary zeal are worth celebrating.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
Saint Patrick
Here’s a great overview of the incredible life of Saint Patrick, beginning when he was kidnapped at the tender age of 16 to his path to sainthood. Give this a quick read to learn more about the man we celebrate on March 17h.
The True Spirit of St. Patrick | Simply Catholic
19 Facts About St. Patrick
You may have learned some things here and there over the years about St. Patrick. But there’s probably a fact or two that may surprise you. See how many of these 19 facts about St. Patrick you already know.
19 Facts About Saint Patrick–Some Are Super Rare! | Epic Pew
St. Patrick’s Real Name
Turns out, Patrick is not St. Patrick’s real name. So where did the name come from? And what was his real name? ChurchPOP has the scoop.
What Was St. Patrick’s Real Name? The Fascinating History Behind Ireland’s Patron Saint | ChurchPOP
5 Stories About St. Patrick
Did you know that St. Patrick had the help of several of his family members in converting Ireland? Here’s more about that and four more fascinating stories about this Saint’s influence on those around him.
5 Fascinating Stories About St. Patrick And His Influence | Aleteia
St. Patrick IS a Saint
You may have heard people say that St. Patrick is not actually a Saint. These stories seem to circulate this time every year. Don’t be tricked by the uninformed. Mike McCormack sets the record straight and explains exactly how we know.
St. Patrick IS a Saint! | Ancient Order of Hibernians
A Global Holiday
St. Patrick’s Day has become a huge celebration in the US. But it’s also popular all around the world … and even the universe. Here’s how it came to be so popular outside of Ireland and how it’s celebrated all around.
St. Patrick’s Day is The Most Global National Holiday | Time
Celebrating St. Patrick
There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick besides wearing green and drinking green beer. Patty Breen shares several ways she grew up celebrating the holiday in her Irish heritage home. You just may find a new favorite tradition for your family.
Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day | Blessed is She
How Not to Honor St. Patrick
A lot of people associate drinking alcohol with celebrating St. Patrick. Mark Hart shares his encounter with a young guy who believed this to be the case … until Mr. Hart set him straight. It’s amazing to see St. Patrick converting hearts even today. Enjoy.
The Day I Told Someone Getting Drunk Doesn’t Honor St. Patrick | LifeTeen
Breastplate of St. Patrick
St. Patrick is credited with writing this powerful protection prayer in the fourth century. It’s the perfect prayer to say first thing in the morning to give you strength and protection against evil.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate: Prayer of Ireland’s Patron Saint | Irish Central
Irish Phrases
If you want to impress your family and friends this St. Patrick’s day, check out these popular Irish sayings, along with the pronunciation.
What is The Irish For Happy St Patrick’s Day? | Irish Central
St. Patrick’s Day Memes
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday that people love to celebrate. And no celebration would be complete without a good meme. Here are 15 of the best.
15 of The Best St. Patrick’s Day Memes to Get You in The Festive Spirit | ChurchPOP
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