Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick.
St. Patrick is the principal patron saint of Ireland. As people from Ireland have migrated worldwide, particularly during the Great Famine, St. Patricks Day has become a major global celebration. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. Modern celebrations have been greatly influenced by those of the Irish diaspora, particularly those that developed in North America - processions or parades occur throughout many major cities on or as near as possible to the 17th of March.
Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century, and historically the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption.
At Mildmay, we are having a service in the chapel to reflect on this occasion, followed by a concert in the afternoon and a couple of little treats for our patients, depending on diets etc.
No cooking for me this year as we are going out for a Turkish meal near to where we live as we can’t bypass this important feast without doing something special! Hope you enjoy this day.
Sister Bernie
Mildmay Chaplain