Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman England in 387 AD and was the son of a Christian Deacon. At the age of 16 he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish raiders who attacked his village. During his captivity in Ireland he reported to have heard God speaking to him in his dreams. It is believed that this is where he first had his epiphany of converting the Irish to Christianity.
After 6 years St. Patrick escaped home to his family. Later, he travelled to a French monastery where he studied for twelve years, before returning to Ireland to complete his mission. He travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries, churches and schools to Christianise the country. He carried out his mission in Ireland for thirty years and died on March 17 in AD 461.
Since then, that day has been commemorated as Saint Patrick’s Day. A shamrock was used by Patrick to explain the Mystery of the Blessed Trinity to the Ancient High Kings of Ireland.
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world, especially
by Irish communities and organisations.
Many people wear an item of
green clothing on the day. Parties featuring Irish food and drinks that
are dyed in green food colour are part of this celebration. It is a time
when children can indulge in sweets and adults can enjoy a “pint” of
beer at a local pub. Many restaurants and pubs offer Irish food or
drink, which include:
- Irish brown bread.
- Corned beef and cabbage.
- Beef and Guinness pie.
- Irish cream chocolate mousse cake.
- Irish coffee.
- Irish potato champ, also known as poundies, cally or pandy.
- Irish stew.
- Irish potato soup.
Some people plan a pilgrimage to St Patrick’s Purgatory, which is
commonly associated with penance and spiritual healing since the early
13th century. It is on Station Island in Lough Derg in County Donegal
where St Patrick had a vision promising that all who came to the
sanctuary in penitence and faith would receive a pardon for their sins.
St Patrick's Day is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland.
St Patrick’s Day is also a festive occasion in some parts of the world
where it is not a public holiday. Therefore, traffic and parking may be
temporarily affected in streets and public areas where parades are held
in towns and cities.
