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The local paper had a story about St. Patrick yesterday. It talked about some of the myths that surrounded this great saint. One of the more interesting items in the story is that St. Patrick was either French or British. We know that he was brought to Ireland as a slave in 389 but we are not sure of his birthplace. Regardless of where he was originally from, St. Patrick embodied the Irish spirit and became one of the greatest instruments for God on that island. Patrick had a deep faith. He was in constant relationship with God and he wanted that for others as well. He knew of the blessings of God firsthand and made it his life's mission to bring everyone to that glory. Not only did Patrick have a deep faith, he embodied what St. James describes as faith and works. Patrick was always doing good works and showing the face of Christ to others. In spite of not knowing where he was from, he definitely knew where he was going. Patrick gives us a wonderful example of how to live our lives so that we can realize the ultimate prize, a life with God in Heaven. Although the secular world has adopted St. Patrick's Day as a beer-drinking, green wearing celebration, we Catholics need to remain committed to honoring St. Patrick on his feast day with the proper reverence. Since it is already an event that typically gathers people together, we need to take advantage of that experience and talk to our fellow revelers about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We need to remind our friends and relatives that St. Patrick carried out his mission of bringing people to Christ everyday. The beauty of the saints is that they provide us with tangible examples of how ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they are in union with God. St. Patrick's leadership, humility and faith set the benchmarks for all of us. As you celebrate the feast of St. Patrick in whatever way, take a minute to reflect on the great Catholic who was St. Patrick.

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