Do you know who St. Patrick was? Do you have any idea the real reason to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Patrick was the son of an English magistrate, he was born in Britain during the late fourth century. At the age of 16, he was carried off by pagan Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland. Time alone on a mountainside tending his master's sheep awakened his spirituality, and God became the focus of his life. After seven years in captivity, he had a dream directing him to the seashore, where he would find a ship to take him to freedom. Patrick followed the path revealed in his dream and escaped.
Upon returning to his homeland and family, he was haunted by memories of Ireland. Though born British, Patrick considered himself Irish, for it was in Ireland that he discovered his faith in God. Again he had a vision, this time compelling him to return to Ireland to preach the Gospel.
As a missionary in Ireland, Patrick suffered many trials, even imprisonment by the Druids. However, after winning favor with local kings, conflict with the Druids lessened, and he converted many peasants to Christianity. For 28 years, Patrick traveled across the countryside, spreading the word of God.
Where do the color green and shamrocks come into the picture? St. Patrick was said to have spoken much about the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some say that as he traveled the green, shamrock covered hillsides of Ireland, he would use the shamrock to explain the Trinity.
So this St. Patrick's Day as you adorn yourself in green so you won't get pinched, remember the message that St. Patrick spent his life sharing with those who had enslaved him.
The message of God: the Father, God: the Son and God: the Holy Spirit.
