April, 2003

St. Patrick's Day

Those of us who are familiar with American History are aware of the many contributions, which the Irish people have made to the settlement, development, defense, progress, and culture of these United States. By the sweat of their brow, they built the roads, the harbors, the canals, and the railroads, signed the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights. They fought in the Revolutionary War and all of our nation's wars since. And, who can forget John L. Sullivan, the Five Sullivan Brothers, Sergeant Ryan, Audie Murphy, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Michael McGivney (the founder of the Knights of Columbus.)

On behalf of St Patrick and the Irish people of our community, we would like to extend to all our fellow citizens, the following Irish blessings:

May your heart be warm and happy
With the lilt of Irish laughter
Every day in every way
And forever and ever after.

and...

May you live as long as you want
And never want as long as you live.
May good luck be your friend, forever.

and...

May you always have these blessings...
A soft breeze when summer comes,
A warm fireside in winter.
And always the warm, soft smile of a friend.

on a lighter note...

May your glass be ever full
May the roof over your head be always strong
And may you be in Heaven half an hour
Before the Devil knows you're dead!
May the luck of the Irish be always at hand,
And good friends always near you
May each and every coming day
Bring some special joy to cheer you.

and...

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

and...

May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

and...

It's easy to be pleasant
When life flows like a song.
But the man is worthwhile who can smile
When everything goes dead wrong.

and finally...

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!