Reclaiming St Patrick

Reclaiming St Patrick

It is not “Patrick’s” day or “Paddy’s” day either, it really is not.

This saint does not belong to the Irish or the Guinness promotion team, or the craic, or to those who drink such a lot.

“I Patrick, a sinner” his confessions proclaim, the slave who returned and preached forgiveness in Christ’s name, it is he who set the people’s hearts of faith aflame.

No snakes were hurt in the process, they were driven out in the future telling of the tale, embellished by the pouring and consuming of copious amounts of amber ale.

The rivers don’t turn green, even if the people dress to impress, in green, white or gold, reminiscing upon the long lost, simpler, days of old.

The memory of this Christian saint may in some places be fading away, modern people are much more sophisticated, these days, or so they will constantly tell you, not slaves of the latest fads, or fickle in any way…so therefore upon knees of penance, and pews of prayer, this noble saint we will remember so fondly, on the annual Solemnity of St Patrick’s Day.

Fr Patrick Brennan 2021 ©