Today is St. Patrick's Day! While this day is commonly associated with cheerful green clothing, Irish-themed parades and four leaf clovers, St. Patrick's Day is actually far more than that. In fact, St. Patrick is credited with transporting Christianity to Ireland and building the very first church in the country. At the time of his death on March 17, Patrick was recognized as Ireland's foremost saint, and many Christians today observe the holiday by attending church services or going to mass in memory of the selfless work of St. Patrick. 

Saint Patrick would likely be astonished to know that an annual day is set aside in his honor; he described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshiped idols and unclean things had become the people of God."

However you choose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, take a moment to reflect on these Irish blessings and inspirational quotes from St. Patrick and remember the real reason for this annual holiday.

Quotes from St. Patrick

"Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me."

"If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me."

"The Lord opened the understanding of my unbelieving heart, so that I should recall my sins."

"I pray to God to give me perseverance and to deign that I be a faithful witness to Him to the end of my life for my God."

"I know for certain, that before I was humbled I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and in his mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude to the Lord for his great favors in this world and for ever, that the mind of man cannot measure."

"In a single day I have said as many as a hundred prayers, and in the night almost as many."

Irish Blessings

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.

May you have:

A world of wishes at your command.

God and his angels close to hand.

Friends and family their love impart,

and Irish blessings in your heart!

May you always have work for your hands to do.

May your pockets hold always a coin or two.

May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

May you always walk in sunshine.

May you never want for more.

May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.