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Saint Patrick was born between the years 387 and 390 as Maewyn Succat in Scotland, probably near Dumbarton on the Clyde. His name indicates he was probably a Celtic Briton but he may have been of mixed Roman and Celtic heritage.
He was kidnapped from the British mainland around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. Sent to the mountains as a shepherd, he spent his time in prayer. After six years of this life, he received had a dream in which he was commanded to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he escaped. He studied in several monasteries in Europe and subsequently ordained as priest and later bishop. Sent by Pope Saint Celestine to evangelize England and then Ireland, during which time his chariot driver was Saint Odran and Saint Jarlath was one of his spiritual students. In 33 years he effectively converted the entirety of Ireland. In the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the great repositories of learning in Europe, all a consequence of Saint Patrick’s holy ministry.
Saint Patrick died between 461 and 464 at Saul, in County Down, Ireland.
- from The Book Of Saints
A Reading:
“I came to the Irish people to preach the Gospel and endure the taunts of unbelievers, putting up with reproaches about my earthly pilgrimage, suffering many persecutions, even bondage, and losing my birthright of freedom for the benefit of others.
If I am worthy, I am ready also to give up my life, without hesitation and most willingly, for Christ’s name. I want to spend myself for that country, even in death, if the Lord should grant me this favor.
It is among that people that I want to wait for the promise made by Him, who assuredly never tells a lie. He makes this promise in the Gospel: “They shall come from the east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” This is our faith: believers are to come from the whole world.“
- from the “Confession of Saint Patrick” his only known surving writing.
A selection of items to honor Saint Patrick and to celebrate Irish heritage:
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Author: Bishop Joseph Duffy |
 St. Patrick: Apostle Of Ireland |
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 St. Patrick Sterling Oval Medal1in. x 3/4in. |
 St. Patrick Gold-Plated Round Medal |
 St. Patrick Sterling Round Medal3/4in. diameter |
 St. Patrick 12 Kt Gold-Filled Round Medal3/4in. diameter |
 Saint PatrickAuthor: Fr. Lawrence G Lovasik, S.V.D. |
 PatrickBrave Shepherd of the Emerald Isle DVD |
 The Story Of Saint PatrickAuthor: James A. Janda |
 Twenty Tales Of Irish SaintsAuthor: Alice Curtayne |
For our complete selection of items for St. Patrick’s Day and to celebrate Irish heritage, click here:
As we continue our journey toward the Holy Season of Lent, here are some recommended items:
 Journey to Easter: Spiritual Reflections for the Lenten SeasonAuthors: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict, XVI |
 Lent And Easter In The Domestic Church: Activities To Celebrate Catholic Liturgical SeasonsAuthors: Peter Fournier, Catherine Fournier |
 Meditations For LentAuthor: St. Thomas Aquinas |
 Seven Words Of Jesus And Mary: Lessons Of Jesus And MaryAuthor: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen |
 Testimony Of The Cross: Meditations And Prayers Of John Paul IIAuthor: Pope John Paul II |
 The Way of the CrossAuthor: St. Josemaria Escriva |
 Way of the CrossAuthors: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict, XVI |
 Go in PeaceAuthors: Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., Sean Brown |
For our complete selection of items in our Lenten store, please click here:
Resources to deepen your prayer life as Lent and Easter approach:
 Sign Of The Cross: Recovering the Power of the Ancient Prayer Author: Bert Ghezzi |
 Blessings Of The Table: Mealtime Prayers Throughout The YearAuthor: Br. Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette |
 The Art of Praying: The Principles and Methods of Christian PrayerAuthor: Fr. Romano Guardini |
 The Words We Pray: Discovering The Richness Of Traditional Catholic PrayersAuthor: Amy Welborn |
 Augustine on PrayerAuthor: Fr. Thomas A. Hand, O.S.A. |
 The Spirit Prays In UsAuthor: Fr. Antonio Gentili |
Our clearance sale continues at Aquinas and More, click here to see some great remaining bargains!
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Season of Lent, the penitential season in the Universal Church ending with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday approximately 40 days hence. On this day, ashes from the burning of palms from the previous year’s Passion Sunday are blessed and put on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of penance. “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” In the early Church, public penance was performed by people wearing sackcloth, who were sprinkled with ashes. As public penance gradually died out, about the eleventh
century, the custom of receiving ashes at the beginning of Lent came into being.
Ash Wednesday is a day of both Abstinence and of Fasting. Abstinence means we do not eat meat. Fasting means we allow ourselves to take only one full meal during the day. This year Ash Wednesday is February 21.
- from The Essential Catholic Handbook
(The following is another in a series of short articles by one of our staff relating the amazing healing power and love of God in her life. To read the previous artlcles, click this link.)
This week, I wish to share with you a special Valentine I have written for my sweet Jesus, a Love unlike any other. My journey will
continue next week.
My Beautiful One
You were there
Through the years
In my darkness
Ever Near
Ever Faithful
Ever Loving
Ever Patient
I come to You
In humility
To ask forgiveness
For my absence
You simply smile
Your arms outstretched
And welcome me Home
It’s You I run to
You’re all I long for
You are my treasure
My Lord and Savior
I surrender my life
To Your tender care
For You know best
I feel joy in Your Presence
Love in Your Midst
Safety in Your Embrace
I kneel before You in awe
Let me be
changed in Your Presence
For You take my breath away
My Beautiful One
Happy Valentine’s Day,
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