St Patrick's Day
There was a touch of green around COHR on Wednesday and even an odd shamrock or two! For Catholics in Melbourne, St Patrick's Day holds a special significance, as St Patrick is the patron saint of our cathedral.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is an integral part of Melbourne, and its history tells us much about the State’s birth and growth. Situated on the fringe of the city grid, close enough to the heart of Melbourne to be a powerful presence and breathe with a life of its own. The beauty of the Cathedral speaks of the glory of God. Its peace reaches to our innermost heart, and its welcome to those who pass by is of a God who is ever compassionate to us, his people. (Ref:https://www.cam1.org.au/cathedral/)
Some interesting facts about St Patrick:
- Saint Patrick didn’t wear green. His color was “Saint Patrick’s blue.” The color green became associated with St. Patrick’s Day after it was linked to the Irish independence movement in the late 18th century.
- Despite his Irish notoriety, Saint Patrick was British. He was born to Roman parents in Scotland or Wales in the late fourth century.
- According to Irish legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland.
- Saint Patrick is credited for driving the snakes out of Ireland, but according to the fossil record, Ireland has never been home to snakes as it was too cold to host reptiles during the Ice Age. The surrounding seas have kept snakes out since.
- Saint Patrick was born “Maewyn Succat” but changed his name to “Patricius” after becoming a priest.
St Patrick's Prayer links very strongly to our journey in Lent, as we are preparing for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter.
St. Patrick’s Prayer
May the Strength of God pilot us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Host of God guard us
Against the snares of the evil ones,
Against temptations of the world.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Salvation, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.
And in the words of a well-known Irish blessing,
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Jo Cowan (Religious Education Leader)