Oh, Patrick...
March 17 is one of the days on the calendar that has always been lost on me. Whether we're thinking of Saint Patrick or "St. Paddy's Day," this great celebration of Ireland and Irish heritage has never really resonated with me... I suppose, the starting point would be a consideration of who the real Patrick was: Patrick was born about the year 389 in Britain. At age sixteen he was kidnapped and taken as a captive into Ireland where he served as a herdsman. Despite the harshness of this life, Patrick retained his Christian faith and used his solitude as an opportunity for prayer and meditation. After six years Patrick escaped captivity and returned to England. In a dream, however, he was urged to return and evangelize the people of Ireland. In preparation for his work, Patrick studied at the monastery at Lérins. He was ordained by Saint Amator in 417. In 431, Patrick was sent to assist Saint Palladius in Ireland, and he was eventu...