Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Who was St. Patrick? Christianity Today and Biography.com have nice summaries.

Patricius, better known as Patrick, is remembered today as the saint who drove the snakes out of Ireland, the teacher who used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and the namesake of annual parades in New York and Boston.

What is less well-known is that Patrick was a humble missionary (this saint regularly referred to himself as "a sinner") of enormous courage. When he evangelized Ireland, he set in motion a series of events that impacted all of Europe. It all started when he was carried off into slavery around 430.

More on St. Patrick here. You can also read Confessio (his autobiography) online and watch a short video about St. Patrick and his day.

Here is the story of how the Irish saved civilization.

The History Channel and Biography.com have much more on St. Patrick's Day.

Here are collections of quotations and Irish songs, blessings, and humor.

When Irish eyes are smiling,
'Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
~Author Unknown