Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-16
sr. pArRIcK,s DAY.
History Of TreIand's Patron saist
and How HIS Natal Day Will be OBJ
served I'm Memphis.

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Patron Saint Of ireland, brief history
Of that good man, Cleaned from the best
authorities, may be acceptable to many
of our readers, especially those who
expect TO participate in the observance
of the day.
St. Patrick is believed to have been q
native Of Scotland, though he has been
claimed by England, France, ireland,
Scotland and Wales respectively. he
Was bora in the year 372, and lived to the
good old age Of one hundred and twenty.
At the age Of sixteen be was captured by
Mai Of the Nine Hostages, who signal
lied himself by expeditions into Eng
land, Scotland and France. Patrick
was carried to Ireland and served
seven years herding swine. On
the expiration of his term Of
bondage he returned to his native
country, after having acquired q thorough
knowledge of the language. He studied
then under his uncle, the Bishop OF
Tours, and found his wayto Rome. where
he was commissioned by the Pope to
renew an attempt formerly made to con-
vert the natives. he took twenty dis
ciples with him, and increased the mum.
Der to thirty in England. His prede-
cessor had been expelled BY Pagan
prince, and his own reception was very
discouraging; but be proceeded to
Ulster and converted the chieftain of the
district, with his family, and founded q
church there. He baptized the Kings Of
Dublin aud Ulster and the seven sons of
the King of Conusught, and before his
death had converted almost the whole
island to the faith. He spent his life in
traversing the country, gaining over
converts and founding churches and
monasteries. He fixed his Metropolitan
See at Armaugh, and established there q
famous theological school, said to have
been attended one time by seven
thousand students.
The labors of ST. Patrick were not con-
fsed wholly to the spreading of the gos-
pei. He gave much advice and assist
ance in the reformation of the govern
ment At bis suggestion LogaDy as
sembled q convention of princes, his.
torians and antiquarians to revise the
records and chronicles of the country,
and their amendments were deposited in
the public archives under the name of
1.-THE Great Antiquity" Fragments of
copies taken from this work were to be
met with for many centuries afterward,
from which subsequent historians OBJ
tanned much information concerning the
ancient history of the country. St.
Patrick did not, 1t appears, retain the
bishopric erected by himselfat Armagh,
but appointed Binen or Benignus his
successor, visited Rome, and spent the
close of his life chiefly at Saul, near
Downpatrick, where he founded mon
astery aud closed his active and useful
career. His exertions produced a
great impression upon the public mind,
and from his time may date
the evangelization of Ireland His
name has been held in great reverence
ever since. A popular legend ascribes
to him the banishment of all venomous
creatures from the island by means of
his crosier or staT, which was kept as
late as 1860, with great generation, in
Dublin. m
The Irish Catholics observe st. Pat
rick's Day with much interest and strict
ness. The day is recognized by the
Church, though its observance is not pre-
scribed. But wherever the noble sons
and daughters of Erin are found, the
world oyer, St. Patrick's Day is kept as q
religious festival. and it is generally cell
ebrated with great merriment and joy.
Extensive preparations have been made
in this city to keep the day 10 becoming
manner, and we wish our Irish friends a
happy time.
The following programme has been
adopted by the Hibernian Mutual Relief
Society for the celebration Of St Patrick's
Day:
!, The Hibernian Society will assemble
at their Hall, corner of Main and Adams
streets. at 3 O. clock am. precisely.
III. They will form in procession,
headed by the Sodality cornet band, and,
accompanied by the various sister So
cieties of the city, proceed down Main
street to Beal, out Beal to DeSoto, down
DeSoto to St. Patricks church.
III. After Mass the procession will
reform, march through the principal
streets. and return to the Society's Hall,
where il will disbsnd until evening.
w. At 81 pm. the procession will
again form and proceed 10 st. Peters
church, where lecture will be delivered
BY Rev. Father DAILY.
v Al the doors Of St. Peters will be
stationed two members of the Hibernian
Society to receive contributions for the
poor little ones at St. Peters Orphan
Asvlum.
vi. After the lecture the members Of
the various societies and their friends
will return to the Hibernian Society's
Hall, and spend few hours in social
enjoyment. The Hall will be open to
ali the friend, Of tie Society.
Iryou want well-made spring clothing,
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