Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Or, is it? Since St. Patrick's Day falls in the middle of Holy Week, it causes a conflict with the holy calendar. Although the day is named after a saint, St. Patrick's Day celebrations aren't necessarily the definition of holiness. So the Catholic Church--or, at least, some parts of the Catholic Church--agreed to move the liturgical day for this year only. The Vatican approved a move to March 15, which was Saturday, but a Canadian bishop in this story pointed out that the Vatican decision was only for Ireland. I was told that the decision was on the Vatican Web site, but I couldn't find it, so I can't say one way or another. Be all that as it may, the Archdiocese of New York held their liturgical celebration on Friday, but the New York parade is today. Boston's Southie Parade was yesterday. Chicago's was Saturday.

But when it comes down to it, if St. Patrick's Day is more about shamrocks and leprechauns (if not necessarily Wonder Woman) than the patron saint of Ireland, there's no reason to move the celebration from this very day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, after all!