St. Patrick: Who was he really?

March 16, 2008

I don’t think I really started to think about St. Patrick, the man until I got married to an Irish/German/American, and had kids. Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day was all about wearing green and drinking beer. Yet, if St. Patrick was alive today, I think he’d be heartbroken over what his name has come to mean.

To set the record straight (as straight as I know it) St. Patrick’s Day has NOTHING to do with beer and partying in bars. It has everything to do with honoring a man who committed his life to brining the good news of God’s love and savior, Jesus Christ, to the people of Ireland.

When I first read Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie DePaola, I was overcome with the beauty and humbleness of the patron Saint of Ireland and you don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate Patrick’s life and devotion especially in adversity. You can say his was a modern day story of Joseph and the dream coat. Here’s just a sampling from the book.

Did you know Patrick was stolen from his native home of Britain and sold as a slave, spent years tending sheep in the fields praying night and day, and finally with God’s help found his way home only to hear from God that he needed to return to the people of Ireland and share the good news of God’s love. While there he was met with adversity, but God protected his life.

Did you know Patrick used the three leaf clover to explain the trinity? His is an amazing story of love , forgiveness, miracles and devotion to a people. If you’ve never heard the story or St. Patrick, make sure you do this year. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Last year I made this Grilled Reuben Sandwich recipe. The kids liked everything but the sauerkraut. But if you’d like to save some time, just run by Arby’s for their Reuben sandwich. I had the wrap and it was yummy! (I’m receiving now kick back for endorsing their sandwiches!)

2 slices of Rye Bread
1 Tbs Thousand Island Dressing
2 slices of swiss cheese
1/4 cup of sauerkraut, drained
2 slices of corned beef
1 Tbs of Miracle Whip

For dinner tomorrow night, we’ll have our traditional cornbeef and cabbage meal, and Irish Soda bread. For more great recipes go to Kraft Foods.

So what fun things do you have planned for St. Patrick’s Day?

Posted in Between the Covers of a Book, Celebrate Good Times!

Gina Conroy

From the day I received my first diary in the second grade, I've had a passion expressing myself through writing. Later as a journalist and novelist, I realized words, if used powerfully, have the ability to touch, stir, and reach from the depths of one soul to another. Today as a writing and health coach, I inspire others to live their extraordinary life and encourage them to share their unique stories. For daily inspiration follow me on https://www.facebook.com/gina.conroy and check out my books here https://amzn.to/3lUx9Pi