Today is St Patrick’s Day, a day when people who are not even remotely Iris wear green and join in celebrations of the day. Born most likely in England in the 5th century, he was kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland, then a wild and barbarian country which the British had not even thought of conquering yet. After escaping, he became a priest and then returned to Christianize Ireland.
Green was the color used by the 18th century independence movement from Britain, and was used by homesick Irish soldiers conscripted into the British army for the first parade in New York in 1767.The wave of Irish immigration due to the potato famine was a major factor in St Patrick Day celebrations.
Celebrating St Patrick’s day is a way of connecting with our immigrant past, just as are
other ethnic feasts, such as San Gennaro for Italians, or the Chinese New Year. What’s amazing is that this day is celebrated by even those, who forgetting history, say they oppose immigration. As Americans, we need to remember where we came from.
Prayer for the Day
I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me, od's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me
From snares of devils, From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near.
From the Breastplate of St. Patrick (ca. 433 CE)
Thoughts for the Day
The immigrant's heart marches to the beat of two quite different drums, one from the old homeland and the other from the new. The immigrant has to bridge these two worlds, living comfortably in the new and bringing the best of his or her ancient identity and heritage to bear on life in an adopted homeland.
Mary McAleese, lawyer, activist Presidentof Ireland 1997-2011
There are good ships and wood ships, the ships that sail he sea;
But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.
Traditional Irish saying
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; God’s greatness is unsearchable.
Psalm 145: 1-3