Patron Saint..........

St. Patrick, patron Saint of Ireland,
on March 17, 460 AD passed on to a better place.
Born in Great Britain, a lad of sixteen,
by Irish raiders captured, moved without a trace.

To County Mayo near Killala,
worked as a Shepherd, afraid and forlorn.
With only his wit and religion for solace,
turned to Christianity though at first torn.

A voice to be God spoke to him in a dream,
urging him it was time to part.
Two hundred long miles to the Irish coast,
he walked and walked with a heavy heart.

A second vision came to him in a dream,
as a missionary return to the land of green.
Fifteen years studied until finally ordained,
fulfilling prophecy in a land so pristine.

Preaching to his flock, while recruiting more,
joining old tradition along with the new.
The Christian symbol, a powerful tool,
redesigned into the beautiful Celtic cross, anew.

First church service in the early morning,
Irish bacon and cabbage to celebrate the day.
Truly a day of feasting and festivities,
incorporating all along the way.

The Shamrock or "Seamroy" by Celts symbolized,
the renewal or rebirth of oncoming spring.
Later became the symbol of Irish pride,
when Englishmen began conquering.

Leprechaun or "Lobaircin" also from Celtic beliefs,
cantankerous little people, power of evil and good.
Part of the landscape by modern standards,
in 1959 it blossomed and grew as it could.

The first parade adding to this joyous day,
was started March 17, 1762 by Irish soldiers.
As a show of solidarity and Irish pride,
connecting with their roots, in line by shoulders.

             Now you know the history!
          Happy St. Patrick's Day to All!!!

Written by:
Karen Palumbo
Photography not by:
Robert Palumbo
3/16/2009  © All rights reserved.