The life of St. Patrick is a story full of intense drama – kidnapped by pirates, enslaved and escaped only to return to spread the Gospel in the land of his captors. In 1959, American Catholic novelist John Edward Beahn retold that story as a biographical novel based on “The Confession,” the 5th-century saint’s autobiographical work. Beahn’s “A Man Cleansed by God: A Novel on St. Patrick’s Confession” was published in 1959 in narrative form, revealing aspects of the Irish saint’s life that might otherwise have been lost. Get to know the true St. Patrick in the more recent re-release of this classic novel from TAN Books and pray his powerful lorica prayer found at www.CatholicNewsHerald.com.
As it turns out “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” is a treasure trove of St. Patrick’s Day tradition and lore. At www.Almanac.com, you’ll find information about the saint’s life and little-known facts about the day. Did you know the traditional color for the holiday was once blue? It’s also the traditional day for planting cabbage as well as peas – even in the snow. You’ll also find authentic recipes for corned beef and cabbage, Irish potato pie, dill and potato cakes, and other traditional foods.