There was a selfish and restless young Roman who lived in luxury in Britain in the fifth century.
He was stolen from his family’s estate at the age of sixteen and sold into slavery, being transported across the sea to Ireland. He was kept in captivity for six years, tending to his master’s sheep on the Emerald Isle, where he faced terrible weather and hard surroundings.
The man claimed to have heard God’s voice speak to him after arriving in Ireland as an atheist. He came to Christianity shortly after and formed a close relationship with God.
This Christian guy continued to nurture his spiritual wisdom and grow in faith after escaping his master and fleeing back to Britain.
Though his family was overjoyed to see their long-lost son and expected him to return to a life of luxury, the man received a different call. He returned to Ireland as a missionary, eager to introduce a new and better way of life to the people who had oppressed him previously.
He labored as a teacher and writer for decades, despite the hostility, threats of murder, and condemnation from envious religious authorities. He stuck to his objective and finally rose to prominence as a religious figure. His tenacity and strength were (and continue to be) a source of inspiration for many, and he was canonized after his death.
Saints’ lives and works have always been surrounded by myths and stories, and Saint Patrick is no exception.
Many think that Jesus utilized the shamrock, a three-leafed green plant, as a teaching tool to explain the Holy Trinity to Pagans centuries after his death.
The link between Saint Patrick and the shamrock grew stronger over time, and the plant became a symbol for both Saint Patrick and Ireland. It is now extensively used in the religious commemoration of his death on March 17th, known as Saint Patrick’s Day.
Since the early 17th century, Saint Patrick’s Day has been observed to honor the introduction of Christianity in Ireland. It is now generally recognized as an annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
Thousands of Irish immigrants and expatriates who were wanting to reaffirm their roots began to devote their energies to celebrating the festival throughout the last century.
From Canada to Brazil and Argentina, the United States, Australia, and, of course, Ireland, their efforts have made the festival an international celebration. Of course, stereotypes about the Irish have crept into the “St. Paddy’s Day” celebration.
One thing is certain: celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is a lot of fun!
So, whether you have Irish ancestors, have visited the Emerald Isle, or simply want to get into the Saint Patrick’s Day mood, we’re here to help!
We’ve compiled a compilation of quotes that honor Ireland and the Irish people’s unique spirit. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!
20+ Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!
Ireland has one of the world’s heaviest rainfalls. If you see an Irishman with a tan, it’s rust. – Dave Allen
St. Patrick’s Day always involves fighting, public urination, vomit.― A.D. Aliwat
May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always.___Irish Blessing’
Ireland is the only place in the world where procrastination takes on a sense of urgency.___Dave Allen
If you’re Irish, it doesn’t matter where you are – you’ll find family.__Victoria Smurfit
Ask a random focus group which is better—Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s—and overwhelmingly, unless they’re made up of people who are at least part Irish, they’re gonna go for Cinco de Mayo.― A.D. Aliwat
This microscopic nation in the Atlantic has little economic or political clout in the world. But somehow, Ireland’s influence seems to pop up everywhere, whether you prefer to travel in the realms of high or low culture.___Robert Sullivan
Whenever I want to know what the Irish are thinking, I look into my own heart.__Eamon de Valera
Every St. Patrick’s Day every Irishman goes out to find another Irishman to make a speech to. – Shane Leslie
Irish history stretches back into the dark days of the Celts, yet there is a light, laughter and a sense of laissez-faire in the Irish men and women of today.___Richard Benson
St. Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate our green heritage. The ancestry of Ireland. It is a day to celebrate what it means to be Irish and of Irish descent.___Anthony T. Hicks
The heart of an Irishman is nothing but his imagination. – George Bernard Shaw
If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks.___Brendan Behan
You cannot conquer Ireland. You cannot extinguish the Irish passion for freedom. If our deed has not been sufficient to win freedom, then our children will win by a better deed.___Patrick Henry Pearse
Whether I drink often, or just once in a while; I’m always sure to raise a glass to the dear old Emerald Isle.___Pat Maloney
The list of Irish saints is passing counting; but in it all no other figure is so human, friendly, and lovable as St. Patrick.__Stephen Gwynn
St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time – a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.___Adrienne Cook
Oh, Paddy, dear, an’ did ye hear the news that’s goin’ round? The shamrock is forbid by law to grow on Irish ground! No more St. Patrick’s Day we’ll keep, his colour can’t be seen, For there’s a cruel law agin’ the Wearin’ o’ the green.___Anonymous
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long.– Irish Blessing
That’s what the holidays are for – for one person to tell the stories and another to dispute them. Isn’t that the Irish way?___Lara Flynn Boyle
Grant me a sense of humor, Lord, the saving grace to see a joke, to win some happiness from life, and pass it on to other folks.___Irish Prayer
Ireland is a land of poets and legends, of dreamers and rebels.___Nora Roberts
If you hold a four-leaf shamrock in your left hand at dawn on St. Patrick’s Day you get what you want very much but haven’t wished for.___Patricia Lynch