There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, including going to mass, hosting a feast, grabbing a pint, marching or watching a parade, and wearing green, the color of the shamrock. Lenten restrictions are lifted.
But St. Patrick wrote a confession, one of the rituals of Lent. And when you read his confession, his role as a faithful witness shine through his words. Here is an excerpt, #46:
So I want to give thanks to God without ceasing. He frequently forgave my lack of wisdom and my negligence, and more than once did not become very angry with me, the one who was meant to be his helper. I was not quick to accept what he showed me, and so the Spirit prompted me. The Lord was merciful to me a thousand thousand times, because he saw in me that I was ready, but that I did not know what I should do about the state of my life. There were many who forbade this mission. They even told stories among themselves behind my back, and the said: “Why does he put himself in danger among hostile people who do not know God?” It was not that they were malicious – they just did not understand, as I myself can testify, since I was just an unlearned country person. Indeed, I was not quick to recognise the grace that was in me; I know now what I should have done then.
You can read the full confession of St. Patrick here: https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english#
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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