The True Saint Patrick

This is the week of "the wearing of the green." Of getting with the Irish in remembering the Patron Saint - with parades, and much drinking, and a concentration on Irish-ness.

It is really much more.  Saint Patrick was a real man who lived from 372-466.  St. Patrick was a Christian missionary to Ireland.  He landed in Ireland in 432 to spread the Christian faith there.  He had gone to Tara to confront the pagan High King of Ireland.  Patrick and his followers halted at the Hill of Slaves, 10 miles from Tara and lit a huge fire to celebrate the eve of the Christian Festival of Easter.  The pagan king was furious, and sent soldiers to destroy it.

But, on arrival, they feared Patrick might cast a spell on them.  They drew back and Patrick recited the Twentieth Psalm, "Some trust in chariots and horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord, our God."

Patrick launched into his lyrica with its sense of the wholeness and holiness of nature - typical of Celtic Christianity.  It was defiant brave faith that Patrick brought to Ireland and with which he won the Irish to Christianity.  From this spirit came, "St. Patrick's Breastplate," which became a great Christian hymn which we'd do well to keep high in our hearts and sing it defiantly and joyfully in memory of the Saint of these days..

I bind unto myself today
     The strong Name of the Trinity.
By invocation of the same 
     The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me forever
     By power of faith, Christ's incarnation.
His baptism in the Jordan River,
     His death on cross for my salvation,
His bursting from the spice'd tomb,
     His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at The Day of Doom,
     I bind unto myself today.

What a brave song for us to say, with the words emblazoned on our own spiritual breastplate.