Lucky Shamrock Contest

Ever Wonder How St. Patrick's Day Came to Be? Here's the story!

ST. PATRICK’S CONFRONTATION WITH THE DRUIDS

Patrick was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in the year 432 and, together with a small band of followers, traveled to Ireland to commence the conversion. Patrick confronted the most powerful man in Ireland – Laoghaire, The High King of Tara – as he knew that if he could gain his support that he would be safe to spread the word throughout Ireland. To get his attention Patrick and his followers lit a huge fire to mark the commencement of Spring. Tradition had it that no fire was to be lit until the Kings fire was complete, but Patrick defied this rule and courted the confrontation with the King.

The King rushed into action and travelled with the intention of making war on the holy delegation. Patrick calmed the King and with quiet composure impressed the King that he had no other intention than that of spreading the word of the Gospel. The King accepted the missionary, much to the dismay of the Druids who feared for their own power and position in the face of this new threat. They commanded that he make snow fall. Patrick declined to do so stating that this was Gods work. Immediately it began to snow, only stopping when Patrick blessed himself.

Still trying to convince the King of his religion Patrick grasped at some Shamrock growing on the ground. He explained that there was but one stem on the plant, but three branches of the leaf, representing the Blessed Trinity. The King was impressed with his sincerity and granted him permission to spread the word of his faith, although he did not convert to Christianity himself.

Patrick and his followers were free to spread their faith throughout Ireland and did so to great effect. He drove paganism (symbolized by the snake) from the lands of Eireann.

Patrick was tempted by the Devil whilst on a pilgrimage at Croagh Patrick. For his refusal to be tempted, God rewarded him with a wish. Patrick asked that the Irish be spared the horror of Judgement Day and that he himself be allowed to judge his flock. Thus, the legend that Ireland will disappear under a sea of water seven years before the final judgement, was born.

Patrick died on March 17th in the year 461 at the age of 76. It is not known for sure where his remains were laid although Downpatrick in County Down in the North of Ireland is thought to be his final resting place. His influence is still felt to this day as nations the world over commemorate him on March 17th of every year.

LOOKING FOR A POT O BOOKS AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW?

Here’s how: The White Roses are holding a Lucky Shamrock contest to celebrate our new home, White Rose Publishing. All you have to do to win a pot o eBooks donated by participating authors is answer this simple question:

QUESTION: When St. Patrick showed a three-sided shamrock, the flower of Ireland, to the king, what was he comparing it to?

Leave your answer as a comment and you will be entered in the Lucky Shamrock contest. The winner will receive a delightful assortment of eBooks. Good luck!