|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
St. Patrick's Day For Children |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Saint Patrick
Born 387. Died March 17, 493
Feast Day: March 17
Patron of: Ireland and Irish
Symbol: cross, harp, serpent, baptismal font, demons, shamrock
Just about everyone knows about Saint Patrick, just like everyone knows about Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. In the same way, that some people forget that Santa Claus is really a saint in Heaven who will pray for us if we ask him, and instead tell us stories about elves and reindeer, Saint Patrick is also a saint in Heaven who will help us if we ask. He has nothing to do with green food or leprechauns, even though those are fun ways to celebrate Saint Patricks Day.
Patrick was not Irish to begin with. He was born inScotland at a time when Irelandwas a land of pagan kings and warriors. His parents were Romans, probably there as merchants or administrators of a Roman Colony.
When Patrick was sixteen years old, Irish warriors raided Scotland and carried captives back to Ireland to be slaves. Patrick was among them. His head was shaved and he was put to work as a shepherd for an Irish Druidic high priest named Milchu. He must have been very scared and lonely.
For the next six years, Patrick learned the language and customs of the Irish people. This knowledge helped him later when he returned to Ireland as a missionary. Patrick also grew in love and devotion to God, often praying one hundred prayers a day and more at night.
One night, in a dream, God told Saint Patrick to escape his master and go to the coast, two hundred miles away. Patrick did as he was told and made the journey safely. He found a ship about to sail for Britain, but the sailors refused to take him with them. After a silent prayer to God, they agreed.
After three days of sailing, they landed and began to walk. It was a hard trip, they had no food or shelter. The others laughed at Patrick's belief in God but he told them; 'Turn in good faith and with all your heart to the Lord my God to whom nothing is impossible.' Suddenly they came across a herd of pigs and after killing them, had enough food for the rest of their trip.
In another dream, Patrick heard the people of Ireland crying out to him:' We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more.' Patrick was willing but not ready for such a big job, so he began to study to be a priest and eventually was ordained. Pope Saint Clestine sent a man named Palladius to bring the Gospel to Ireland, but Palladius died. Saint Patrick was recommended for the job and willingly accepted it. He was ordained a bishop (so that he could ordain priests while he was there.)
Saint Patrick arrived back in Ireland on March 25, 433 and immediately began his work of teaching and preaching the Good News to the people of Ireland. Patrick used the shamrock's three leaves on one stem to explain the Trinity, and it has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.He converted chieftains, the family of the King, and many others. Some of these people donated land and buildings to him for churches. God performed many miracles and healings through Saint Patrick, so that everyone could see the power and mercy of God. The sick were healed, the dead were raised, the lame could walk and many miraculous flows of water still fill wells today.
It wasn't easy though. Patrick and his followers were imprisoned and sentenced to death several times, people conspired against him to the Kings, an entire county was plundered by enemies of Saint Patrick and many people were killed. Saint Patrick never gave up his work though, and by the time he was an old man all of Irleandwas Christian. What a great life and work to offer to God, what a great thing God had done through Saint Patrick!
For Saint Patrick's own account of his conversion and life of service, read: The Confessio of Saint PatrickPrayer of the Church to St. Patrick
God our Father, You sent Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland.
By the help of his prayers, may all Christians proclaim Your love to all people.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Legendary Irish Blessing May The Road
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be ever at your back
May the Good Lord keep you in the hollow of His hand.
May your heart be as warm as your hearthstone.
And when you come to die
may the wail of the poor
be the only sorrow
you'll leave behind.
May God bless you always."
Links to websites about St. Patrick...
Absolutely Green[ Kids/Teens ] - Details facts about both Patrick and Ireland, as well as a special section for children with online games and crafts. Billy Bear Says, Happy St. Patrick's Day[ Kids/Teens ] - Site includes printable coloring pages, online St. Patrick's Day games, animated musical postcards, and computer wallpaper. BlackDog's St. Patrick's Day Fun and Games[ Kids/Teens ] - Includes games and activities, free wallpaper and screen savers, coloring book pages and mazes to print, and virtual postcards. Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A.: St. Patrick's Day[ Teens ] - The Embassy of the United States in Sweden tells all about St. Patrick and how St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in the U.S. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day[ Kids ] - Online games and puzzles, printables, clipart, screen savers, downloads, and other activities. Clvoer Green and the Seven Leprechauns[ Kids ] - An Irish take on the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Empire State Building: Happy St. Patrick's Day[ Kids/Teens ] - Some St. Patrick's Day trivia, and why St. Patrick's Day is special at the Empire State Building. 5geokids St. Patrick's Page[ Kids/Teens ] - Tells who St. Patrick was. Also includes a St. Patrick's Day quiz, several word puzzles, and fun links. Heather's Happy St. Patrick's Day Page[ Kids ] - The life story of St. Patrick, a coloring page, Irish music to listen to, and a game. Keypals Club International: St. Patrick[ Kids/Teens ] - Children from Ireland relate the history of St. Patrick's Day as well as holiday customs. Marvelicious St. Patrick's Day Page[ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - Page includes history, jokes, poetry, toasts, and links. St. Patrick's Day at Alphabet-Soup.net[ Kids ] - Offers simple history, an introduction to leprechauns, songs and poems, recipes, and games. St. Patrick's Day at Mail Just 4 Me[ Kids ] - Simple ideas for activities and crafts. St. Patrick's Day at Web Holidays[ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - Facts about St. Patrick and Ireland, recipes, crafts, proverbs, and blessings. St. Patrick's Fun at Kid's Domain[ Kids ] - This site for children offers mazes, coloring pages, and links to both Mac- and PC-compatible seasonal children's programs. A Wee Bit O' Fun[ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - Information about St. Patrick's Day including a glossary of terms. The Wee Kiwis: Happy St. Patrick's Day[ Kids ] - Place for children of all ages to find links about Ireland, St. Patrick's Day, leprechauns, and shamrocks. - Color a Leprechaun[ Kids ] - Color this leprechaun online in Carlos' Coloring Book.
- Craft Library: St. Patrick's Day Ideas[ Kids/Teens ] - Step-by-step instructions for several craft projects.
- DLTK's St. Patrick's Day Crafts for Kids[ Kids ] - Printable templates for crafts for preschool and kindergarten kids.
- St. Patrick's Day Activities[ Kids ] - Find craft ideas for making different kinds of St. Patrick's Day projects.
- St. Patrick's Day at PrimaryGames.com[ Kids ] - Printable coloring pages and stationery.
- St. Patrick's Day Crafts[ Kids/Teens ] - Fun crafts and coloring for kids and their computer.
- St.Patrick's Day Crafts[ Kids/Teens ] - Small collection of activities and craft ideas from The Holiday Spot.
- Customs and Traditions of St. Patrick's Day[ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - Short history of the day in Ireland and when it came to the United States. Also has a holiday countdown and a game.
- History and Folklore[ Kids/Teens ] - Provides background information on the shamrock, the claddagh, leprechauns, and the Blarney Stone. Also includes photos of the Blarney Stone.
- History Of St. Patrick And St. Patrick's Day[ Kids/Teens ] - Tells how the holiday came into practice explains and its symbols.
- The History of St. Patrick's Day[ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - Search an interactive map of Ireland and find out more about St. Patrick, the holiday named for him, and other Irish personalities.
- St. Patrick's Day History[ Kids/Teens ] - Page describes and explains St. Patrick's Day traditions.
- ChristianityToday.com - Patrick The Saint[ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - Based largely on St. Patrick's autobiographical writings, this article offers a detailed, yet readable account of Patrick's life.
- The 'Confessio' of Saint Patrick[ Teens/Mature Teens ] - This autobiographial confession of St. Patrick is believed to have been written about 450 A.D. It provides striking insight into the man behind the myth.
- The Legend of Saint Patrick[ Teens ] - Some of the famous stories about the patron saint of Ireland.
- Patrick[ Mature Teens ] - St. Patrick's other names and titles, basic facts on his life, two short excerpts from his writing, pictures.
- Saint Patrick[ Kids/Teens ] - The story of St. Patrick for children younger than about 8, and for kids 8-14. Has a picture of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland.
- St. Patrick[ Kids ] - The life story of St. Patrick.
- Will the Real St. Patrick Please Stand Up?[ Kids/Teens/Mature Teens ] - This biographical sketch introduces readers to the man whose memory St. Patrick's Day honors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
