I received this message:
I HAVE A QUESTION.THIS PERSON ON MY SPACE HE HAS A CHRISTION MYSPACE BUT ANYWAY HE SAID THAT ST.PATRICKS DAY IS PAGEN IS THAT TRUE?I DONT THINK SO.
To which I responded:
Sister in Christ,
I'm overjoyed to hear that you have taken an interest in this matter. St. Patrick's day is merely the day we commemorate the life of St. Patrick. March 17th is the day he died in 461 A.D. There is nothing wrong, and definitely nothing pagan, about celebrating the memory of a great hero of our church.
On that note, dear sister, remember always that we Catholics are Christians as well. A Christian is anyone who believes in Christ, and the Catholic church has been around believing in Christ much longer than any other church (by about 1500 years). In addition, I am sure that many of our protestant brothers and sisters say extra prayers, hold vigils, and attend special services to commemorate days when close relatives and friends have passed away. When Catholics celebrate the life of one of her heroes, it is no different.
Spread Love.
Right said!