The Tri-Lite

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: News

On March 17, the Irish and those who wish they were so lucky, will don their green apparel, enjoy sweet Irish potatoes by the dozen, and head to the pubs for some corned beef and cabbage, and perhaps - if they're of age - some green beer. Even if that were all the holiday consisted of, it wouldn't be a bad deal, but as Irish luck would have it, there is much more to this special day.

Most people are familiar with the story of St. Patrick, the fifth century boy stolen from his home in Great Britain by Irish raiders. After spending 6 years in captivity in Ireland, Patrick escaped and returned to Britain. Not long after his escape, he felt called to return to Ireland as a missionary and began studying for the priesthood. More than 15 years later, Patrick returned to Ireland, and began ministering to the existing Christians, as well as converting pagans.

Traditionally, legend says that St. Patrick utilized the shamrock to explain the trinity; however the Irish are great story tellers, and this story did not begin circulating until nearly a thousand years later, leading some to question it's authenticity. Many also say that St. Patrick chased the snakes from Ireland, but this too is a bit of Irish blarney, as there were never any snakes in that region. However, the latter does serve as a metaphor, as Saint Patrick was quite influential in extinguishing paganism in Ireland, and within 200 years of his arrival (shamrock or no shamrock) the nation was entirely Christianized. So technically, Irish-Americans owe their Catholic faith to St. Patrick.

The Irish have always revered St. Patrick, who is among their country's patron saints, and have taken great care in observing his feast. In fact, until the 1970s all of the pubs in Ireland were closed on St. Patrick's Day in observance. Today, Dublin, Ireland hosts a festival in honor of St. Patrick, which draws crowds from all over the world.

So what is it about St. Patrick's Day that resonates with Irish pride in people generations removed from Ireland? It could be the rich history of a culture full of hardworking, determined people, many of whom left their country in a dire attempt to survive during the potato famine that plagued Ireland in the 1840s. Irish pride could also be attributed to Irish ancestor's ability to overcome adversity, finding prosperity during a time when they faced great discrimination, as many factories and shops kept signs in their windows that read "No Irish Need Apply." Irish Americans certainly have reason to take pride in their past and present accomplishments.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, educational achievements of Irish Americans exceed the national average, with 31 percent of people of Irish decent earning a Bachelor's degree, and 91 percent earning a high school diploma; the national averages are 27 and 84 percents. Households headed by Irish Americans have an average income of $51,937, which exceeds the national average of $46, 242; there are several thousand reasons to thank God you're Irish.

This year, St. Patrick's Day is also the first Monday of spring break, giving Holy Family students all the more reason to celebrate. And, with friends, family, fun, faith, and Irish pride rolled into one celebration what's not to love about this special day?

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