Holiday is about more than shamrocks, beer

As with many other holidays, most people don't know exactly why it is celebrated. St. Patrick's Day is associated by most with shamrocks, green beer, and leprechauns. This being St. Patrick's Day, I thought to share with you a little about the man behind the holiday. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. When he was a teen, his village was raided by the Irish and he was taken captive for six years in which he was forced to work as a shepherd. Alone in the abandoned hills, he turned to God for comfort and developed a deep, rich relationship with Christ.

He escaped back to Britain but God called him back to Ireland but this time as a missionary. He traveled through Ireland for 30 years preaching the Gospel and by the time of his death he'd baptized tens of thousands and started hundreds of churches.

March 17 is the day of his death; I hope you now understand why we celebrate this holiday and will turn your eyes to the One, Jesus Christ, that St. Patrick invested his life in proclaiming to the Irish.

BRAD SMITH

Sagle