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.
Born during the turbulent era of the French Revolution, Saint Jeanne Jugan rose above hardship and a lack of formal schooling to become a profound vessel of Christ’s mercy. After losing her father at a young age and working through her youth as a kitchen maid and nurse, her life radically changed one freezing night when she encountered a blind, paralyzed elderly woman with nowhere to go. Jeanne carried the woman back to her own home, placed her in her own bed, and began a lifelong mission of radical hospitality. This act of profound love blossomed into the Little Sisters of the Poor , a thriving community dedicated to sheltering and honoring the destitute elderly. Despite later facing heavy trials—including being unjustly sidelined and stripped of her leadership by a controlling chaplain—Jeanne accepted her obscurity and exile with a joyful spirit, resting her complete trust in God's hidden providence until her death in 1879. In our daily lives, Saint Jeanne Jugan invites us to lo...
Comments
Post a Comment