Daily Meditation for March 17, 2026

Along with the green beer, Irish step-dancing, and singing old Irish songs, St. Patrick’s Day also has a serious side. St. Patrick is the patron of Ireland, but his first introduction to that land occurred at the age of 16, when he was kidnapped from his home in Britain, and sold there as a slave. He spent six years in slavery before escaping to France. There he became a priest. Some years later he had a dream in which the Irish people invited him back. He returned to the land of his oppressors, to devote himself to their conversion. For thirty years he was a wandering Bishop, his life a legend. But remember that he had previously been the victim of Irish injustice and cruelty. His love overcame the anger and resentment in his heart, and he was able to forgive. Who in our own lives needs to be forgiven?

By Mary Jackle, OSB