What is often lost in the silly stories about Saint Patrick and snakes is the sheer revolutionary nature of his time in Ireland.
The land at the time was a pagan and oral culture, distinct from much of Europe.
One of his most dramatic acts was to defy the pagan king at Tara, by lighting the Paschal Fire atop the Hill of Slane to signal the beginning of Easter.
To remember this defiant act and to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal will host an event atop the Hill of Slane.
