Maewyn Succat (and I’m not sure how you pronounce that name) marched to the beat of a different drum. To say the least. His life reads like the script to a Hollywood movie.
First thing of note is how he was captured by pirates sometime in the late fourth or early fifth century. Then, he was sold into slavery and kept in bondage for six years. But somehow he managed to escape to France. And there he became a monk. After that, he became a bishop and eventually a missionary.
And that’s where the different drum comes into play (pun slightly intended).
During his mission to a particular island, Maewyn lured all the snakes to the sea where they drowned. And he did that by beating a drum. In fact, he beat the drum so enthusiastically that he knocked a hole in it. Of course, this is all according to legend. And legend also says that an angel appeared and mended the drum so Maewyn could get rid of all the snakes.
Evidently Maewyn’s drumming made the soil so repulsive to snakes that, to this day, they die immediately if they even touch the ground on that island.
But that’s just a small glimpse of what Maewyn Succat accomplished in his life. And he was buried near a famous cathedral on that island. And would you believe it? People still talk about him all the time.
In fact, Maewyn’s fame spread throughout most of the western world. And we even recognize him around this time every year. Oh yeah, I left out one detail.
After his death, the people of that island, also known as the Emerald Isle, renamed Maewyn and made him a Saint. You probably know him by his more famous name. Saint Patrick.
So, enjoy some green beer, live music, and parades today. Whatever you do to celebrate. But also, take a moment to think about Maewyn and how he and his different drum got rid of all the snakes in Ireland.
And bein’ Irish meself, ay it’s true that Macrory has Irish roots, I’ll leave you with this famous sayin’…
“May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Stay Ready,
Ronda