3-17-2022 9:15pm

Saint Patrick's Day - A Day in History

Christine Larkin Editor

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is the primary patron saint of Ireland. Patrick was never formally canonized, having lived prior to the current laws of the Catholic Church in these matters. Nevertheless, he is regarded as a Saint in the Catholic Church and in the Eastern Orthodox Church, where he is regarded as equal-to-the-apostles and Enlightener of Ireland. He is also regarded as a Saint by the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran Churches.

Every year, on March 17, we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with leprechaun costumes, games, and crafts, green foods and drinks, four-leaf clovers, and parades. But what's the origin of the holiday? March 17 marks the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, which was believed to be in the year 461. He was credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, St. Patrick was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a teen aged slave. He was made to work as a shepherd for six years. After escaping and returning to his family, he vowed to return, and when he did, he devoted his life to establishing the Catholic Church in Ireland.

St. Patrick's Day has always been a joyful and reflective holiday. Irish families would observe this day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, by attending church in the morning and then, in the afternoon, dancing, drinking, and feasting on the traditional Irish meal of bacon and cabbage. Today we have corn beef. Lenten prohibitions on the consumption of meat are traditionally waived on St. Patrick's Day.

In spite of some snowy winter weather last Saturday, the Bay Shore St. Patrick's Day Parade marched west along Montauk Highway to the steps of St. Patrick's Church as men in kilts blew their bag pipes to pounding drums. Erin go Bragh!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore. Please subscribe to my free newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support the SLTN community, you can make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15). You can also advertise your business or event here. It's easy and convenient to do. I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond. These years can be transformative, but they require focus, determination, and planning. I have a first Monday-of-the-month motivational vlog that is designed to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.