Did you
know that the most famous Irishman in the world was actually born in England,
not Ireland? At the age of 16, St. Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and
sold into slavery in Ireland, where he was assigned to care for his master’s
pigs. It was in Ireland that he learned the Celtic language and was converted
to the Catholic faith. Later, he escaped to France before returning to England,
where he became a priest. The pope at the time sent another priest as a
missionary to Ireland, but he died within a year. Patrick became a bishop
and was sent to Ireland as a missionary in 432. He converted thousands of
people to the faith, despite daily dangers and hatred from the people. In
twenty-nine years, Patrick had transformed Ireland, replacing an ancient
paganism with a vibrant Christian Church. It is interesting to note, however,
that Ireland is the only country in western Europe in which the Church was
established without martyrdom. Legend has it that the following popular song was heard when a powerful king was set to ambush Patrick and his fellows, but miraculously they became invisible. All the king saw was some deer passing by and voices chanting:
“Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort me and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in the hearts of all that love me, Christ in the mouth of friend and stranger.”
The Annunciation (March 25):
What
is the greatest thing a young person, or any person, can do? Is it to be
good? Is it to be famous? The answer lies in simply doing God’s will
for us. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is considered the prime example of someone
who followed God’s will rather than her own. When the angel Gabriel
appeared to Mary over 2000 years ago to announce to her that she would become
the Mother of God, this humble girl replied, “I am the handmaid of
the Lord. Be it done unto to me according to your word.” Following
God’s will for us is the greatest thing we can do because it not only
serves the purpose of doing what God wants for us, but doing God’s
will brings us the greatest freedom, joy and peace in our lives. What is
God’s will for you? How will you know? The first step is to have the
heart of Mary, by simply having the desire to do God’s will. In other
words, having the attitude of “Whatever you want for me Lord”
or “Not my will, but Your will be done,” trusting that God knows
us better than we know ourselves. Then, it involves taking the time to talk
to God, and then listening for His response. It is in silence that we hear
the voice of God. Trust that God is calling you, too, to do something great
with your life! By Fr. Jerry Vincke, Director of Bethany House
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