Labor, vision, and St. Paddy's Day
Laurie Hoffman
Dedicated to communications, customer service, and finding community resources
Every year around this time, my classmates and I sang at Mass of the legends of St. Patrick -
fitting for both the holiday, and for a school in my city's "Little Dublin." Under the watchful eye of several nuns, we'd sing
"Hail, glorious St. Patrick dear saint of our isle
On us thy poor children bestow a sweet smile.."
Catechism aside, the song and story always struck a chord with me. Born a Brit, and taken captive as a teen, Patrick left his former life, and became a leader; storyteller; icon, and national hero. But, we can all learn a lot from this son of the Emerald Isle.
He followed his vision. Acting on a voice he heard in a dream, the former slave was told it was time to leave - and he did, escaping to Britain.
He used the image. St. Patrick taught of the Trinity with a shamrock,and may have brought more fame to the Celtic cross - seen in cemeteries; jewelry, and tattoo parlors to this day.
He sold the story. St. Patrick may - or may not - have driven the serpents from Ireland, but he did convert everyone from common folk, to chieftains. And while it's unlikely he drank green beer or captained a parade, his picture - and that serpent - can still be found in stained glass windows, and storybooks.
We can't all be legends, or have a day named just for us. But, we can recall a poor boy's vision and heart, on this day of the wearing of the green.