Irish Blessing May there always be work for your hands to do



	Irish Blessing May there always be work for your hands to do, May your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane, May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you, And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. Saint Patrick Saint Patrick was born in Scotland in 387. His name is taken from a Latin name that meant a nobleman. At the young age of 16 he was captured by pirates, taken to a strange land, and then watched while men bargained. for his price. Through this he learned that he was a slave in the pagan land of Ireland. Unlike most masters, Patrick was treated with kindness; he was given food, drink, and rest, then taken to a mountain to live and tend the master's herd of cattle. With God as his only companion, Patrick turned more and more to Him. after six years, a voice from heaven told him to go back to his own country. After successfully escaping, he went to Rome, studied to become a priest and was sent to England to serve. Knowing that Ireland was pagan, Patrick begged the pope to allow him to return. After being made a bishop, his wish was granted and he was sent as a missionary to Ireland. The people welcomed him as he taught them about the Blessed Trinity by showing them how the shamrock had three leaves yet was one plant, just as the Trinity is one God but three divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Patrick is honored as a martyr. St Patrick's Prayer Patrick was not a warrior, except in spiritual terms. In 433 Patrick composed this prayer as a petition for God's help in conquering paganism in Ireland. This prayer, which he offered when he presented himself before the Druids at Tara includes the following verses; Prayer Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height, Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks to me, Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me, I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Three ness, Through confession of the Oneness, Of the Creator of Creation. Shamrock The word shamrock comes from the Irish word "seamrog" meaning "little clover". Shamrocks have been considered by the Irish as good-luck symbols from early days. Since St. Patrick's time, the Irish have been associated with the shamrock and the love of the Trinity. The Shamrock Plant (Oxalis species) needs bright light and also a rest period of several months. After blooming, decrease watering and temperature (50-60ºF). Cut back foliage or allow to die down. Repot and divide at this time. Resume regular watering, temperature and fertilization.


	This page is dedicated to the memory of my mother-in-law. St. Patrick must have smiled upon her because she had the uncanny ability of looking down in the yard and picking out a four leaf clover just about every time.

	In the land of rainbows end, dwell tiny fairies and wee lil' men. Happily they live without a care, for they learned to love and share. Oh, if only the mortals could know, the richness of life at the end of rainbows. A. H. Ewton © 2006
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