St. Patrick’s Day

In the spotlight: Lenten confession, St. Patrick’s Day, Sea of Galilee boat

In the spotlight: Scenes from the Ukraine-Russia war, Japan earthquake, St. Patrick’s Day parade

The two leaders issued a joint message for St. Patrick’s Day, saying the war in Ukraine is a lesson to Northern Ireland to never to take peace for granted and never to give up on dialogue.

In the spotlight: St. Patrick’s Day, vigil for shooting victims, Myanmar violence

The reasons the church continues to honor the Apostle of Ireland more than 1,500 years after his death shine forth in the film “I Am Patrick,” a docudrama screening in theaters for two nights only, March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day — and March 18.

St. Patrick learned to trust God completely as he gave generously to others the spiritual gifts that Christ gave him which makes him a good Lenten saint for us to imitate and celebrate on his feast day, March 17.

This year especially, before we unthinkingly put on our green shirts for the Irish March 17 or our red sweaters for the Italians March 19 or 20, we should pause to remember the past and the lessons it teaches us.

The dispensation, which applies to all Catholics in the Diocese of St. Cloud, was announced March 2 in a note sent to pastors of the diocese.