Calendar Class of March 17, 2025

A Carpe Diem Snapshot:

While St. Patrick's Day may historically be an Irish-American tradition, the liturgical memorial of St. Patrick belongs to the universal church. Cordelia reports that all the bambini were sporting green at school today. While we can't be certain that St. Patrick ever trod the cobblestones of Rome himself, we were able to create a pretty good stand-in for him today in Rome with our staff member (and good sport) Tony Mioni.

Liturgical: Monday of the Second Week of Lent Mass readings and Bishop Barron's Gospel reflections

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Luke 6:36-38

Sanctoral: The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Patrick (b. between 387-390 and died between 461-464) on the General Roman Calendar. However, the liturgical celebration is a Solemnity in Ireland and Australia and a Feast in Scotland, Wales and New Zealand. This day is not all about leprechauns, shamrocks and green beer, but a day to honor and pray to St. Patrick. He was an influential saint who, 1,500 years ago, brought Christianity to the little country of Ireland. He was born about 385 in the British Isles, was carried off while still very young during a raid on Roman Britain by the Irish and sold as a slave. At the end of six years he contrived to escape to Europe, became a monk and was ordained; he then returned to Ireland to preach the Gospel. During the thirty years that his missionary labors continued he covered the Island with churches and monasteries; in 444 he founded the metropolitan see of Armagh. St. Patrick died in 461. After fifteen centuries he remains for all Irishmen the great bishop whom they venerate as their father in the Faith.

Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of: Engineers, Ireland, Nigeria

Audio biography of St. Patrick.

Human: All about St. Patrick's Day! Here's an article from Old Farmer's Almanac, and another about the extended family of the apostle to Ireland.

Here's the story about how St. Patrick's Day became such an all-American holiday with Sheila Carroll.

Natural: Shamrocks and Four-Leaf Clovers: What's the Difference?

Italian: Valigia (suitcase)

Quote: When flowers bloom, I hope you'll not sneeze, 

And may you always have someone to squeeze. 

—Irish blessing