One of my most prized possessions is a dainty Celtic cross necklace given to me by my great-grandparents. This necklace was something I was very proud of growing up; I didn’t know of anyone else my age who owned something so special. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that this special gift is more than just a necklace. My great-grandparents were very faithful Catholics who immigrated to America from Ireland in their early 20s. Although they never had much, they held close to their faith and made it a priority in their lives setting a strong example for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For me, my necklace symbolizes two pieces of my own family history: my Irish heritage and my Catholic faith.
In our culture (and especially in Massachusetts) the middle of March is dominated by shamrocks and a sea of green in celebration of Irish culture. On the same note, Massachusetts hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the whole country each year. With almost all of the emphasis on Irish heritage for the holiday, it seems St. Patrick himself has been left behind.
The great apostle of Ireland lived in the 5th century A.D. and brought Christianity to a pagan Ireland. While he eventually accomplished great things in Ireland, his introduction to it was less than ideal. He was kidnapped from his home in Roman Britain at the age of sixteen by Irish raiders. It was during the six years he spent in slavery in Ireland that his faith was deepened. Upon gaining his freedom and returning home, St. Patrick became a priest and later a bishop. It was during this time that St. Patrick had a great vision that inspired him to return to Ireland to evangelize.
St. Patrick brought the gift of faith to the people of Ireland. Through his preaching and example, St. Patrick met the Irish people where they were, introducing them to the Lord through symbols they already knew. We, too, are called to evangelize those in our lives who might not yet know God. We are called to set an example for our families and friends, just like my great-grandparents did for my family. We are called to pass the gift of faith on to those we love.
This St. Patrick’s Day, I’ll wear my necklace as a reminder of my family, my heritage, and most of all, the gift of faith passed down to me through the generations.
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 when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
AUTHOR: Jessica Nee, Aegis Support
