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Top o' the mornin to ye!

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Patrick. The following brief story of his life is taken from our book, Autom's Saints For Boys, Item Number CS020.

Patrick was born around 389.  At 16, he was carried as a captive to Ireland where, though treated harshly, he stayed close to Jesus and the Catholic Faith. Six years later he escaped, and after many trials made his way home. While there, Patrick saw in a dream all the children of Ireland, stretching out their hands and crying to him for relief from the wombs of their mothers. God showed Patrick that he was to return to Christianize Ireland.

At age 42, Patrick returned to Ireland where he was made Bishop. This tireless saint traveled the Emerald Isle bringing the Faith everywhere despite the hostility of the Druid priests. Saint Patrick established many monasteries for men and women, founding centers of spirituality and learning. He restored sight to the blind, health to the sick, and raised the dead to life. He died March 17th.

SAINT PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Saint Patrick loved bringing God’s Word and His Spirit to all. His life encourages each of us to learn more of our faith and share it with others. The New American Bible and beloved Catholic prayer books are two great ways to help us grow closer to God and bring His presence to our world.

May the Good Lord take a liking to you, and may you be in heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you’re dead!