[Editor's Note: A couple of days late, but still worth reading, because it stretches beyond Ireland.]
On a cold morning sometime in the 5th century, a group of Irish raiders crossed the Irish Sea and descended upon the villa of a minor nobleman named Calpurnius. The raiders sacked the villa, carrying away valuables and slaves. Among the slaves was Calpurnius's 16-year-old son Padraig.
Padraig spent six years in captivity in Ireland, working as a herder. He survived by relying on his Christian faith, praying for the day when his captivity would end and he would return to his home in Britannia.
His deliverance came in the form of a dream. He saw a ship prepared, ready to bear him back across the sea to be reunited with his family. Padraig wasted no time. He escaped from his captors and made his way to the coast, where he found passage back to Britannia.
Years later Patrick received a letter inviting him back to Ireland as a missionary. Despite his experiences in Ireland and his doubts about his education and abilities, Padraig returned, preaching Christianity across Ireland, converting many to his faith. Today we know Padraig as Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland.
Patrick's feast day was March 17. Originally, the day was a religious observance, focusing on Saint Patrick's work in the church. When Irish immigrants reached the New World, they brought Saint Patrick with them. Boston held its first Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1737, and gradually, the day ceased to be a celebration of Saint Patrick and became a celebration of all things Irish. Today, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated all around the world, inviting everyone to be Irish for the day.
There's a lesson in there for us. Rather than zealously protect their culture, Ireland proudly shares it with the world, encouraging everyone to enjoy the music, the food, and the beauty associated with Irish culture. Saint Patrick's Day should be a model for all of us, for there is no better way to enjoy one's culture than to share it with others. All cultures have treasures. Hiding those treasures does not make them more valuable; it merely prevents us from fully enjoying them.
So, to everyone, I say Slainte! Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Enjoy it in whatever way works for you, whether it's a meal of corned beef and cabbage, a simple potato and leek soup, or a glass of Guinness or Jameson's. Wear something green, listen to a set of reels and celebrate the warmth and generosity of the people of Ireland. Culture is best when it is shared. Enjoying the music and food of another culture affirms our shared humanity, helping us build bridges instead of walls.
