The Irish standard., 1919-03-15
ALL CHRISTENDOM CELEBRATES ST. PAT.
KICKS 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
IN the calendar of the year that is designated for
the veneraton of saint the answer that would
doubtless 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. Patrck's day has become day of celebration
and rejoicing not only for the people of the sea-
divided Gaels but for all mankind. The whole
Unity OF his character, the purity and simplicity
OF his Christian message, and the heroism and zeal
of his holy labors
1t it were possible to consider his life and activi-
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 indomitable perseverance. For it must
not be supposed that the conversion of Ireland from
the paganlsm OF the Druds the part of the great
apostle was an easy task, or succession of easy
victories leading to the grand final contamination
OF his plans: On the contrary The heroic mission
airy met resistance at every point in his efforts to
abolish the time-honored Druidical RELIGIOUS chs
fer1ngs misortunes 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 captives and at one
time he was loaded with chains and his death was
decreed But like the great Hebrew apostle he was
mlraculously delivered from all of these hardships
ana tribuatons to resume the progress of his bene
6cent teaching.
Speaking to the people in their own Gaelic tongue
winch ne had mastered while in the service Of
chleftain named Milchu in Dal-Aradia County An
trim, to whom he had been sold as slave and hold
ing before them the shamrock with it's 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 intelli-
gence made them receptive to the great message
winch Patrick had been commissioned from Rome
to bring to them. And the seed was thus thor
oughly 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
Patricks 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
lions that have lived since the time of his apostoate
1t would be difficult to overestimate the debt Of
gratitude the world owes to Ireland's patron saint
but that his sublime service has in some measure
met with general appreciation is attested by the
Worldwide observance of his "Day." In special
sense 1T is the day of days for the Irish people, but
all Christian mankind has now come to participate
IN the tributes of love and appreciation that are an
nuay offered to the great apostle in recognition
OF his heroic services and sacrifices in the evange
izaton of the world.