Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Update: This is a picture of when I DID get to visit the Saint Patrick Centre and meet with Dr. Tim Campbell

Since it's Saint Patrick's Day, I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you a bit about the Saint Patrick Centre in Northern Ireland. One day I'll get there to visit for sure (update: I've been there twice now!), but they've updated their web site with a wonderful video telling you all about the centre and its programs. Saint Patrick was British, probably born in the region that is now Wales, and came as a missionary to Ireland. His work was accomplished in Northern Ireland, although there are plenty of references to him in other parts, and his legend and his message speak to our common Christian heritage.

I met the director, Dr. Tim Campbell, a few years ago at the Milwaukee Irish Fest. You'll see him in the video several times. Go ahead and check out the site. You'll be glad you did. And enjoy the day as a time to celebrate all things Irish!!

Did St. Patrick Really Use the Shamrock to Prove a Point?

There is a legend that when St. Patrick came to Ireland to convert the pagans to Christianity he used the common shamrock to explain the Trinity.

The shamrock has three parts, but it is only one plant. Likewise, God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but only one God. Nice story. Did it happen? Well, we don't know. That's the way it is with legends. But it could have, and here's why:

The Irish had a love for numbers and their order and balance. Three was one of the numbers that they thought had special significance, but there were others, like five. There are five provinces of Ireland, there are five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot, and so on. But the number three was used in little wise sayings called triads. I love to read those. Here are a few:

Three best to have in plenty:
sunshine, wisdom, and generosity.

Three good things to have:
a clean shirt, a clean conscience, and a guinea in the pocket.

Three things that never rust:
a sword, a spade, and a thought.

Three truths:
sunrise, sunset, and death.

Three best friends and three worst enemies:
fire, wind, and rain.

So, it's not out of the question that St. Patrick (or perhaps someone else) used the shamrock to explain the One True God.

Let's talk about Celtic Christianity

What do you know about it? What do you want to know? Here are two topics that I'd love to hear your thoughts on as I work on gathering material for a new book.

• I think many evangelical Christians (and maybe others as well) steer clear of anything Celtic, believing it to be pagan. Some even equate paganism with Satan worship. Do you or anyone you know shun Celtic crosses, Celtic knots, and other Celtic symbols because it's unclear what they represent and a Christian doesn't want to promote paganism?

• Do you believe Irish saints, like St. Patrick, are Catholic? Where does this idea come from, in your opinion?

I really want to know what people are thinking, so please leave your thoughts. Thank you!!!

Make Each Word Count

Old Irish Proverb:

Words have a magical power.
They can raise up the spirits or dash them down.
They can bring laughter as easily as tears.
Spend words like a miser counting coins.
Make each word count.