03/17/2026
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Saint Patrick said, “Luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’ve prepared for it.”
The man who eventually became known as Saint Patrick was actually not named Patrick. His name was Maewyn Succat. He was also not Irish, rather he was British and captured at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland, where he was held captive for six years. He escaped and returned to Britain, but eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary and is widely credited with converting much of Ireland to Christianity.
Legend has it that he changed his name to Patrick, which comes from the Latin word for “father figure.” While St. Patrick’s Day was originally a feast day to honor Saint Patrick on the anniversary of his death, drinking became a tradition because the feast day often fell during the 40 days of Lent, and Catholics were excused for the day from abstaining from alcohol.
Some fun facts about St. Patrick’s Day to bring up over pints of Guinness this year:
• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was actually in what is now St. Augustine, Florida in 1601.
• According to Irish Lore, Saint Patrick banished all the snakes out of Ireland after they attacked him during a 40-day fast.
However, scientists maintain there were never snakes in Ireland.
• The shamrock associated with Saint Patrick has three leaves which represent the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit).
This St. Patrick’s Day, we wish you all the luck in the world, and we’re here to help you prepare when you’re ready.
