St. Patrick's Day, March 17th

March 17th may seem like it's all about leprechauns, rainbows and green beer, but in truth it is a day to honor the great life of St. Patrick!  Catholic Culture explains, that Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland 1,500 years ago.  He was born about 385 in the British Isles, was carried off while still very young during a raid on Roman Britain by the Irish and sold as a slave. At the end of six years he contrived to escape to Europe, became a monk and was ordained; he then returned to Ireland to preach the Gospel. During the thirty years that his missionary labors continued he covered the Island with churches and monasteries; in 444 he founded the metropolitan see of Armagh. St. Patrick died in 461. After fifteen centuries he remains for all Irishmen the great bishop whom they venerate as their father in the Faith.  

St. Patrick is legendary for driving the snakes out of Ireland.  A fun recipe to share with your children is this calzone made in the shape of a snake:

It is also said that St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach the people about the Holy Trinity.  He used the three leafed clover to symbolize the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all in one.  Here is a great rosary shamrock to make with your kids.  So cute and easy too!




Another way to illustrate the Shamrock/Trinity analogy is with these delicious pretzel dots:



Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!