Yes, I say St. Patrick Week rather than day because when the 17th of March comes mid-week, it invites celebrations to start early and go through the following weekend. And, of course, it is not only about parades and green beer.  Many places and events have Irish themes throughout the month. I know I am quite busy with Celtic presentations throughout  March.

I like to remind folks in my presentations that there is more to the day than the hoopla. While it is true that the revelry of St. Patrick’s Day in the USA is shared by huge numbers, in Ireland it is a Saints Day and has a very serious meaning as well.

 St. Patrick is one of three patron saints of Ireland. Cathedrals, churches, chapels bear his name. Many Americans do not realize that St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is Church of Ireland not Roman Catholic. Many are surprised to find many non-Catholics climbing to the top of Crough Patrick or that he is buried in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. But, all who visit Ireland come to know that his life and legend pervade the countryside.

These words of Patrick speak to me as they have spoken to so many through the ages. I think they demonstrate why he has been remembered and celebrated:

I arise today, through the strength of heaven;

light of sun, radiance of moon,

splendor of fire, speed of lightning,

swiftness of the wind, depth of the sea,

stability of earth, firmness of rock.

This is just the beginning of the classic prayer called St. Patrick’s Breastplate. This version is also a song called Deer’s Cry. Legend has it that he was under attack when he first made this statement of faith in the elements of the original Celtic trinity:  earth, sky and water.  Celtic wisdom has always connected us to Mother Nature and Patrick brought that sense of connection into Celtic Christianity.

I invite you to discover more about the man behind the legend, behind the parade.