St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. 385 – c. 461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.

According to tradition, Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. The Declaration says that he spent many years evangelizing in the northern half of Ireland and converted thousands. Patrick’s efforts were eventually turned into an allegory in which he drove “snakes” out of Ireland, even though snakes were not known to inhabit the region.

Cathryn and Jubal have planned a very special Prelude and a few Irish hymns we will sing in worship Sunday.

Here are a few of those beloved Irish blessings:

May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

MAY THE LILT OF IRISH LAUGHTER LIGHTEN EVERY LOAD.

May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road and may your friends

remember the favors you are owed.

MAY PEACE AND PLENTY BE THE FIRST TO LIFT THE LATCH TO YOUR DOOR AND HAPPINESS BE YOUR GUEST TODAY AND EVERMORE.

Sláinte (Gaelic for “cheers”),