Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! A Brief History (Some of It True)

Irish and non-Irish alike celebrate St. Patrick’s Day each March 17, but few understand the history of the holiday. First of all, St. Patrick was born Maewyn Succat in fourth century Britain. The patron saint of Ireland wasn’t even Irish.  Second, young Maewyn wasn’t even raised as a religious boy. The closest he got to [...]

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Beware! You Might Be Betrayed Today!

March 15, the Ides of March. In 44 B.C., a seer warned Julius Caesar to “beware the Ides of March”. Caesar was assassinated that day, betrayed by the Senate. Legend has it that Caesar fought his attackers until he saw his close friend, Brutus, standing alongside the enemy. This betrayal prompted Caesar to look at [...]

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Happy Casimir Pulaski Day!

If you’re from Chicago, you are familiar with Casimir Pulaski Day celebrated on the first Monday in March. If you’re not, here’s the quick tour. Pulaski was born in Poland around 1747. His father instilled in young Pulaski a love of freedom and country. The boy excelled in the skills of war craft, and by [...]

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Valentine’s Day: A Brief History (Some of It True)

It’s sad that a holiday creates so much pressure to perform.  Do you know that it wasn’t long ago that if you failed to do something for your partner on such a special day, it could get you killed? I am not making this up.  According to church history, there were three St. Valentine’s.  All [...]

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