Happy St. Patrick's Day

Since before the American Revolution, St. Patrick’s Day has been observed as a day for wearing green, a celebration of all things Irish, and a day to imbibe large amounts of food an alcohol. But it above all is supposed to celebrate St. Patrick, the captive turned rescuer, the humble priest turned iconic saint.

After converting hundreds and thousands at each town he ministered to, St. Patrick would issue a blessing upon the people. Here it is, with a specific edit courtesy yours truly.



Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!



A blessing on the Hornell people —
Men, youths, and women;
A blessing on the land
That yields them fruit.

A blessing on every treasure
That shall be produced on their plains,
Without any one being in want of help,
God's blessing be on Hornell.

A blessing on their peaks,
On their bare flagstones,
A blessing on their glens,
A blessing on their ridges.

Like the sand of the sea under ships,
Be the number in their hearths;
On slopes, on plains,
On mountains, on hills, a blessing.