The Irish standard., 1919-03-15
ALL CHRISTENDOM CELEBRATES ST. PAT.
PTCK'S nAV
RICK'S DAY.

- Each recurring anniversary of Ireland's great
Apostle, St. Patrick is observed with ever increas-
ing devotion and ever-expandng participation
throughout the domains of Christendom. If the
average school child in any of the Christian coun-
tries OF the world were asked to mention a date
III the calendar of the year that is designated for
the veneraton of saint the answer that would
doubtess be given in most instances would be
March II, the day set apart to honor the memory and
recall the great achievement of the great missionary
OF Ireland. This, however, it should be noted is
the date of the death of Patrick which occurred at
Saul (SabhaD Downpatrck, Ireland in 4o3 A. D.,
the seat OF the first sanctuary dedicated by him in
Erin.
St. Patrcks day has become day of celebration
and rejoicing only for the people of the sea-
divided Gaels but for all mankind. The whole
world has come to take recognition of the SUBJ
Unity OF his character, the purity and simplicity
OF his Christian message, and the herosm and zeal
of his holy labors
If it were possible to consider his life and activ
ties apart from his divine mission he would still be
entitled to the fame and glory which the world
is accustomed to bestow upon those who have &C.
compllshed great things by dint of their genius
labor and lndomitabe perseverance, For it must
not be supposed that the conversion of Ireland from
the paganism Of the Druids on the part of the reat
apostle was easy task, or a succession of easv
victories leading to the grand final contamination
OF his plans On the contrary. The heroic mission
airy met resistance at every point i'll his efforts to
abolish the time-honored Druidical religious Gus
fer1ngs mlstortunes and mishaps that are so wildly
set forth in the writings of that other pioneer Of
Christianity, St. Paul Twelve times he and his
companions were carried off as captves, and at one
time he was loaded with chains and his death was
decreed. But like the great Hebrew apostle he was
mraculously delivered from all of these hardships
and trbulations, to the progress of his bene
fcent teaching.
Speaking to the people in their own Gaelic tongue,
winch ne had mastered while in the service Of
chieftan named Milchu in Dal-Aradia County An
trim, to whom he had been sold slave and hold
ing before them the shamrock with its triple leaf but
single stem he brought home to them in clear and
SIMPLE manner the meaning of the triune God the
doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Their quick inte-
gence made them receptive to the great message
which Patrick had been commissioned from Rome
to bring to them And once the seed was thus thor
oughy sown it took deep root in the native SOIL and
mas continued to flourish from that time with ever
increasing vigor and fertility
1t is the elemental simplicity and directness of
Patrick's teachings, like unto the great Master
whom he served, that have evoked for him the love
and admiration of all Christians of all the genera
tons that have lived since the time of his apostolate
1t would be difficult to overestimate the debt of
gratitude the world owes to Irelands patron saint
but that his sublime service has in some measure
met with general appreciation is attested by the
world wide observance of his DAY" In a special |
sense it is the day of days for the Irish people, but
all Christian mankind has come to participate
IN the tributes of love and appreciation that are an
nualiy offered to the great apostle, in recognition
OF his heroic services and sacrifices in the evangel
ization of the world