I wanted to wish you a Happy Saint Patrick's Day. As you might guess, for the Hennesseys it is always an important day when we reflect on what the Irish part of our heritage means to us. I wanted to share with all of you a statement released by Governor Paterson (it is below) which I think pretty well encapsulates the story of Saint Patrick, save for a few details.
Just like so many who make up the fabric of Irish ethnicity (Normans, Vikings, etc.), Saint Patrick's story starts somewhere else. Maewyn Succat (Patrick's birth name) better known as Patricius (in english Patrick) started out as a Roman (his parents were Romans) living in Scotland. At the age of 14 he was kidnapped and brought into slavery in Ireland - but eventually escaped, studied to become a monk, and emerged as a leader who revolutionized Irish life and so much more.
In America, because of the struggles of Irish and other immigrants, he became a symbol of the promise of America. And as with so many things, the details of this history help us to open windows on our shared horizon.
So I hope everyone that receives this message will take a moment today to celebrate the most important part of Saint Patrick's message: the importance of freedom. Freedom to believe, freedom to live without restraint, and freedom to welcome others to a message of hope. I wish you and your whole family the happiest of Saint Patrick's Day from myself and the rest of the Hennessey family.
Governor's press release here.
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