Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Top o’ the Mornin’, Saints-in-Progress! 

Yesterday I touted my Italian heritage. Today, I celebrate my Irish heritage with my favorite Saint Patrick legend (and wink of credit to Cardinal Sean O’Malley):

The O’Boyles, my maternal grandmother’s clan, hail from County Mayo, a part of Ireland that was hallowed by St. Patrick’s ministry.  They tell the story of a dramatic conversion of an Irish chieftain named Ossian.  A huge crowd assembled in a field to witness his baptism.  St. Patrick arrived in his Bishop’s vestments, with a miter on his head and a crosier in hand.  He stuck the crosier in the ground forcefully, as if to emphasize the power of the sacrament, and began to preach a long sermon on the Catholic faith.  Ossian, who was standing directly in front of St. Patrick, began to sweat profusely, he grew pale and fainted dead away.  When some people rushed over to help, they discovered, to everyone’s horror, that St. Patrick had driven his crosier right through Ossian’s foot.  When they were able to revive Ossian, they asked him, “Why did you not say something?”  The fierce warrior replied, “I thought that it was part of the ceremony.”

Ossian may not have understood much about liturgy and rituals, but he did understand that discipleship is often difficult.  It means carrying the Cross.  It’s a costly grace, but one well worth the effort.  

Good News of the Day: Stop & Shop is opening from 6:00 am to 7:30 am for seniors only (60+).  Spread the news; our seniors really need this.  God bless Stop & Shop!

More Good News: For those who live nearby, Sweet Melissa Patisserie has Irish Soda Bread!

Tomorrow: My first book recommendation.

Blessing of the Day: 

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you. 

Much peace!  Deacon Mike