Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. However, he was born in Britain. As a teen he was captured and sold into slavery in Ireland. His enslavement awakened his faith. After 6 years he escaped back to Britain, studied in Gaul (France), and later returned to Ireland as a missionary and succeeded in converting many of the island's tribes to Christianity.
Legend also credits Patrick with teaching the Irish about the concept of the Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a three-leaved clover, using it to highlight the Christian dogma of "three divine persons in the one God."
Saint Patrick's Day reminds us of the contribution of the Irish to American Society. It is a story of struggles as an immigrant group that faced blatant discrimination in America. With their faith, family, and hard work they were integral to the growth and development of our country overcoming negative stereotypes to become one of the most successful ethnic groups in 20th century America. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!
Does this remind you of any particular immigrant group facing the same undeserved scrutiny today??
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