Patrick of Ireland is revisited every year by Irish Americans in a quasi-nationalistic-religious way in the days leading up to March 17th. The songs of the many revolutions and dreams of the Irish are sung and cried over; the dancers kick up their heels; the marchers parade, and the drink is passed around freely. Aside from the initial greeting of “A Happy St. Patrick’s Day to ye,” few even mention the man for whom we have the holy day/holiday.
Sr. Jeanne Bonneau (left) and Sr. Patricia McCarthy (right)
Montreal, March 17, 2017 – Maison Saint-Gabriel, museum and historic site, was awarded the ‘Canada 150 Garden Experience’ designation from the Canadian Garden Council in collaboration with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.
The book came out in 2007 and proved a very popular read; now comes the film. People who see it will likely be moved by its passionate take on themes like grief and forgiveness. We feel, with Mack, his awful loss and sadness, as well as guilt. God seeks him out and at one point tells him, “You can get so lost in the pain, you don’t see me.” There’s a homey common sense way of presenting God as always present, always with us, and always loving us. Mack is open to hearing, learning, exploring. It’s a story. Stories get us thinking, and sharing. Stories can bring about change.
