St. Patrick and those snakes

Natural historians tell us that there actually never were any snakes in Ireland. The legend of St. Patrick driving them out, it's generally acknowledged, is a metaphor for his driving paganism out of Ireland.

But the snakes are back- and triumphant, not only in Ireland but throughout the Christian world. Pagan values are triumphant everywhere. Even Ireland voted a few years ago to set aside Jesus's definition of marriage and embrace a pagan one. Here, lots and lots of Irish politicians (and others) have embraced the snake of pagan values to their bosoms.

Doubtless many will be hypocritical enough to continue to attend Mass and celebrate St. Patrick's feast day today.

"Ochone!," as the ancient Celts would say. Somewhere in heaven- if those who dwell there are, as Catholicism teaches, allowed knowledge of what transpires here on earth- St. Patrick is surely saying it.