Fr. Kevin's Cluttered Desk
March 17, 2024
Did you know: St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is often associated with the shamrock. He used this three-leaved plant to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish pagans during his missionary work. The shamrock has become a symbol of both St. Patrick and Ireland itself. Interestingly enough the use of the shamrock analogy is sometimes viewed by some as a “heresy” called partialism. But if you check the list of Catholic heresies you will not find partialism there and so it still remains the symbol of choice. St. Patrick is believed to have been born in Britain in the late 4th century and kidnapped by Irish pirates around the age of 16. He was enslaved in Ireland for six years, where he became a devout Christian while tending the flocks. He escaped and returned to his family, but later came back to Ireland as a missionary and bishop. St. Patrick’s landing place, upon his return was Wicklow, County Wicklow, at the mouth of the river Inver-dea, which is now called the Vartry. It is believed that Wicklow was also the port Patrick escaped Ireland from by ship. Tradition has it that Patrick was not welcomed by the locals and was forced to leave and seek a more welcoming landing place further north. Upon St. Patrick’s return he converted many to the faith and according to tradition, Patrick founded his main church at Armagh (Ard Mhacha) in the year 445. Another interesting fact is that blue was the colour associated with St Patrick before the adoption of green as the colour for the secular festival. Blue was featured both in the royal court and on ancient Irish flags. In 1798, green became officially associated with the day. His feast day is March 17 and it is believed that his original name was Maewyn Succat.
Peace Fr. Kevin
Peace Fr. Kevin
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