How To Make Colcannon
Today we are feasting with… Saint Patrick.
Colcannon is a delicious, traditional Irish dish made by combining creamy mashed potatoes and crisp cabbage. This recipe pays homage to the Irish culture, and is great fare for celebrating the life of one of Ireland’s greatest saints.
One Man, One Island, One Church
When Patrick was 16 years old, he was captured by Irish pirates. They brought him to Ireland where he was sold into slavery in Dalriada. There he was forced to serve as a shepherd.
Patrick came to view his enslavement as God’s test of his faith. During his six years of captivity, he became deeply devoted to Christianity through constant prayer. In a vision, he saw the children of pagan Ireland reaching out their hands to him and grew increasingly determined to convert the Irish to Christianity.
After his several years in captivity, he was able to escape and returned home to Britain. Patrick then traveled to Auxerre, France, where he studied and entered the priesthood under the guidance of the missionary, Saint Germain. He was ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Auxerre around 418 A.D.
As time passed, he continued to feel compelled to return to Ireland and bring Christ to the Irish people. In 432 A.D., he was ordained as a bishop and was soon sent by Pope Celestine I to Ireland to spread the Gospel.
Entire kingdoms were eventually converted to Christianity after hearing Patrick’s message. He often used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.
Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles, and wrote of his love for God in his autobiography, Confessio. After years of living in poverty, traveling, and enduring much suffering he died on March 17, 461.
Saint Patrick is the patron of Ireland.
Saint Patrick, pray for us.