SIMPLE40 - Day 24 - St. Patrick
- Katie Donahue
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here in the United States, the day is typically celebrated with much merriment, shamrocks, leprechauns and lots of green in places you don't usually see it. As Catholics, though, this feast gives us a beautiful opportunity to share the deeper story of who St. Patrick was and the sacrifices he made to bring the Gospel to the people of Ireland.
There are many legends and traditions associated with St. Patrick - driving snakes out of Ireland - using the 3-leaf clover to explain the Most Holy Trinity - spending 40 days atop the mountain now known as Croagh Patrick fasting and praying. While these stories may have grown over time, one thing is certain: St. Patrick was a humble, holy missionary whose faith, courage, and perseverance helped lead countless souls to Christ.
One of my favorite prayers is the St. Patrick Breastplate. The origin of this prayer is tied to yet another legend that is really quite a testimony to God's loving protection. On May 1, 433, St. Patrick sung this hymn as protection from King Leary and his soldiers after following a prompt by the Holy Spirit to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Easter by lighting a bonfire on the same day as the pagan festival of Beltrane. The flame’s lighting indicated the beginning of the festival and was to be lit only by the king. As the king and his soldier’s approached St. Patrick, he began to sing the hymn, which evokes praise to God and the Holy Trinity and invokes the protection of Christ through these words, which are likely the best known of the prayer:
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
As St. Patrick sung these words, a herd of deer blocked the soldiers’ approach, which allowed St. Patrick and his followers to escape. As a result of this purported miracle, St. Patrick gained more followers, some even being druid priests of the pagan religion who converted to Christianity. (excerpt taken from an article by Aaron Lambert of denvercatholic.org click to read more on the history, spirituality and traditions of St. Patrick's Day)
The best way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is to go to Mass,
receive the Eucharist and pray the Prayer of St. Patrick,
asking his intercession for all your intentions.
John from Monk Mindset is offering a 10 day meditation series on St. Patrick that is presented by Br. Peter McArdle and other monastics. Download the App Here and use the code SAINTPATRICK to get an extended 14 day free trial to enjoy the full series.
spiritual
St. Patrick truly loved the Irish people and was willing to sacrifice everything to bring them the message of the Gospel. His life was marked by courage, trust in God, and a deep willingness to give of himself for the good of others.
Every day I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved - whatever may come my way. But I am not afraid of any of these things, because of the promises of heaven; for I have put myself in the hands of God Almighty. ~St. Patrick
How do you define sacrifice and live it out in your life?
Do you choose others and what they would like over yourself and your own desires?
Do you willingly give something up for the good of another?
I would like to offer a different way of thinking about sacrifice that might help reframe some of the negative feelings we sometimes attach to the word. Instead of viewing sacrifice only as giving something up, try thinking of it as making a sacred act.
What if the things you sacrifice are actually sacred acts done out of love for God and for others? Not just the things you give up for Lent, but all the small, hidden offerings throughout your day...the patience you show your children, the time you give your spouse, the kindness you extend to a friend, coworker, or even a stranger you encounter along the way.
When seen this way, sacrifice becomes less about loss and more about love.
self
St. Patrick was a man whose life showed the quiet power of humility and listening. Before he ever preached the Gospel in Ireland, Patrick spent years in solitude as a shepherd after being taken captive as a young man. In those long, silent days he learned to listen, to God in prayer and to the gentle movements of the Holy Spirit.
Patrick’s mission later bore fruit not through forceful words, but through patient presence, courage, and a heart attuned to God.
As you practice disarming your speech today, consider how listening itself can be an act of love. When you slow down enough to truly hear someone—without interrupting, correcting, or preparing your response, you create space for peace and understanding.
Today, try this small practice:
Before responding in conversation, pause for a moment.
Listen fully.
Ask a question before offering your opinion.
Like St. Patrick, let your words flow from a heart that has first learned to listen.
service
St. Patrick returned to the very people who once enslaved him in order to share the love and mercy of Christ. Instead of holding onto resentment, Patrick chose forgiveness and mission.
His life reminds us that Christian service often begins with a change of heart.
In the spirit of Simple40 this year...living with intention, disarming our words, and bringing peace into our relationships...consider offering the quiet service of reconciliation.
Is there someone you have been avoiding, judging, or holding at a distance? Today might be a good day to pray for them, speak kindly about them, or take a small step toward healing.
Another simple act of service: bring a little joy to someone today. Send a thoughtful message, drop off a treat, or simply let someone know you are grateful for them.
Like St. Patrick, let your service be rooted in mercy. Sometimes the most powerful acts of love are the ones that soften your own heart first.
Here is a little hint at an upcoming topic...
simple recipe
TRADITIONAL IRISH COLCANNON
My sister-in-law shared this recipe with us several years ago. Colcannon is a traditional Irish food staple and is a stand alone meal with some good bread or can be a hearty side dish.
INGREDIENTS
3-4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lb) scrubbed clean
2 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. salt, (additional to taste if desired)
6 tablespoons butter, plus additional for serving
4 cups chopped green cabbage, kale, or a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of both
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 bunch green onions, chopped and divided
2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
shredded sharp cheddar (optional)
Directions
Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Add them to a Dutch oven and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Boil until the potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside.
In the same Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cabbage or mixture of greens, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the cabbage mixture is softened, about 5 minutes or so.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the green onions for garnish and add the remaining green onion into the cabbage mixture. Cook, stirring often until the onion is softened, about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the milk and cook 2 to 3 minutes until warm. Add the potatoes, then mash and stir until the mixture is well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Transfer the colcannon to a serving dish and top with shredded cheddar, additional butter and green onions.
Thank you for following along!
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