Lucky Charms anyone???

17 MARCH
Today is St. Patrick’s
Day. Have a green beer
if you absolutely must,
but not till after you
find out why Patrick
was sainted.What can
his life teach you about
how to be Christian?

Any one out there know with out looking it up? Besides on of the patron saint of Ireland and green beer that is?  Oh and free kisses!

In the early part of the fifth century C.E., the Roman Catholic Church sent Patrick as a missionary bishop to Ireland. His main objective was to convert the Irish to Christianity, and during his years of preaching and working among the people, Patrick is credited with having laid the foundation for the Catholic Church there. I find this very interesting and shows a strong man of faith considering he was captured by Irish slavers when he was about 16. He escaped 6 years later to return to Wales and priestly training.

Over the years many legends have developed about his exploits. One of the most famous is that while on that mountain, Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland. Often is often said that very few snakes were seen before hand so this was a pretty simple job!

Tradition has it that he built a small church on the summit. Although that building is long since gone, the original foundation still exists, and the site as well as the mountain has been a place of pilgrimage through the years.

Another very interesting fact. For most of Christianity's first thousand years, canonizations were done on the diocesan or regional level. Relatively soon after the death of people considered to be very holy people, the local Church affirmed that they could be liturgically celebrated as saints. As a result, St. Patrick has never been formally canonized by a Pope; nevertheless, various Christian churches declare that he is a Saint in Heaven (he is in the List of Saints). He is still widely venerated in Ireland and elsewhere today, including the American Episcopal Church that honors today as a Feast day.

OK I know boring and dry for some and interesting as heck for others of us. So on to some other St. Patty's day spiritual fun!!!

 So what of the shamrock? What spiritual meaning could it have???

Legend (dating to 1726) also credits St. Patrick with teaching the Irish about the doctrine of the Holy Trinity by showing people the Shamrock, a three-leafed plant, using it to illustrate the Christian teaching of three persons in one God. For this reason, shamrocks are a central symbol for St Patrick's Day.

The shamrock had been seen as sacred in the pre-Christian days in Ireland.(mmmm something else Christians have "borrowed") Due to its green color and overall shape, many viewed it as representing rebirth and eternal life. Three was a sacred number in the pagan religion and there were a number of "Triple Goddesses) in ancient Ireland, including Brigid,'Eriu, and the Morrigan . (FYI it still sacred in earth and pagan religions)

Many other religions and spiritualities celebrate a trinity. Can I get any of you to be brave enough to share some you know?

What is the religious meaning with green beer????

You're on your own on this one folks!! If you know it, you tell me!!

“May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.”

 18 MARCH
Sunday is your little
Easter, your day to
abandon whatever
discipline you have
taken up for Lent. But
if you are reading this
calendar today, does
that mean you gave up
our calendar for Lent?
Wow. Let's all give up
being too literal.