St. Patrick didn't wear green nor was he the genial sort that bought drinks for the entire pub. Instead he inspired a generation of people with the liberating message of Jesus. Using the beauty of nature and the gentleness of the Good Shepherd, he converted them from the arbitrary whims of gods who needed to be placated by animal sacrifices conducted by elite Druid priests. Sadly, in the last century, the Church became what it preached against and the people left. Now the simplicity of St. Patrick (Thursday, March 17) is in resurgence in Celtic spirituality. May it restore the faith in Eire and everywhere.