27 yrs ago... Happy Birthday to My Son

Happy Birthday, Son!

27 years ago tonight, you were in the process of being born, right on time, on your 'due date'.

When we were searching for a name for you, it was not an easy thing to do, as your Dad did not like many that I did, and I didn't like some he chose. But we did finally agree on one, and it ended up being the perfect name.

Irish, definitely. "Gentle. Noble One." That was the meaning given in the baby name book we used for your first and middle names. The added plus for me was that both names were Saints' Names.

I am very proud of the man you have become.

Love,
Mom

St. Kevin

Feastday: June 3

Known in Ireland as Coemgen as well as Kevin, according to tradition he was born at the Fort of the White Fountain in Leinster, Ireland, of royal descent. He was baptized by St. Cronan and educated by St. Petroc. He was ordained, and became a hermit at the Valley of the Two Lakes in Glendalough. After seven years there, he was persuaded to give up his solitary life. He went to Disert-Coemgen, where he founded a monastery for the disciples he attracted, and later moved to Glendalough. He made a pilgrimage to Rome, bringing back many relics for his permanent foundation at Glendalough. He was a friend of St. Kieran of Clonmacnois, and was entrusted with the raising of the son of King Colman of Ui Faelain, by the king. Many extravagant miracles were attributed to Kevin, and he was reputed to be 120 years old at his death. His feast day is June 3rd.

Saint Patrick
Feastday: March 17
Patron of Ireland
b. 387 d.461

It was too long for here, but you can read the first part, which tells of his birth, captivity, becoming a priest and return to Ireland at the website. It continues:

Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.

He died at Saul, where he had built the first church.

Why a shamrock?

Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.

In His Footsteps:

Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission.