March 17, 2019

Sunday, March 17th, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Tuesday, March 19th, we celebrate St. Joseph Day. These two days have many religious and secular traditions connected to them.

St. Patrick, Ireland’s most famous bishop, did not bring Christianity to Ireland, but deeply implanted faith in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit there. Patrick once a slave spent time in Ireland. Then later in life, after becoming a bishop, returned to Ireland and promoted the spread of Christianity. His approach was simple but dramatic and effective. He explained the deep concept of the Trinity to the High King using a three leaf clover and lit the Easter fire on a hill that could be seen for miles. While me may not have driven snakes out of Ireland, faith in Jesus Christ became deeply rooted in the Irish people. Many will honor Patrick by attending a parade, having corned beef, cabbage and potatoes, but also spend time in thanksgiving for faith in Jesus Christ.

St. Joseph is the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the foster-father of Jesus and the Patron of the Universal Church. St. Joseph, too, is the patron of the Archdiocese of Hartford. Joseph speaks no words in the scriptures and is know as the Silent. He is recognized as a dreamer because of his dream to take Mary as his wife. He is provider and protector of the Holy Family and called the Protector of the whole Church. Many people will honor Joseph by eating delicious zeppoles, may we also honor him by asking his protection for the Church today to be strong and courageous in doing what is right for all God’s Children today.

In the midst of honoring saints Len continues. May we be faithful to our prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Msgr. Joe