Patrick: The real Irish saint
To the Sun:
For most people, St. Patrick’s Day is a day of parades, parties, leprechauns and green beer. But just as Christmas is about more than commercialized fun, so too does this day have a deeper meaning.
St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious holiday honoring St. Patrick — a holy bishop sent to Ireland in 433 A.D. by Pope Celestine I to draw its people into the fold of Christ’s universal church.
Upon his arrival at Ireland’s shores, St. Patrick encountered many setbacks and persecutions by the superstitious Druids who had employed magicians to maintain their sway over the Irish race. Despite severe trials, St. Patrick was able to convert all of Ireland and conquer paganism. He is thus credited with driving the Celtic “snakes” out of Ireland.
St. Patrick is credited with many miracles and is responsible for the building of several Catholic schools, monasteries and churches throughout Ireland. He is known for his powerful expositions of the principles of the Catholic faith. He even employed the ordinary, little, three-leaf shamrock plant to teach people about the Blessed Trinity. He was called to his heavenly reward on March 17, 461.
St. Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death — so complete was his trust in God and the importance of his mission.
Paul Kokoski
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
Washington state student learning about Kentucky
To the Sun:
I have chosen Kentucky for my state report. I care very much about my grades and will need your help to earn a good grade. How? You could help me a lot by sending me stuff about your great state like some interesting stuff about your state, items such as your flag, or brochures of your state.
What ever you choose to send me if you can it will be perfect. Thank you for everything. I appreciate your help. And I have included my address below:
Conway School
19710 State Route 534
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Gratefully,
Zoey C
Grade 5
Editor’s note: Zoey C is a pseudonym.
