Saint Patrick’s Day didn’t just happen. It was designed by the Franciscan friar Luc de Wadding (1558-1657). The Waterford-based company was keen to pay tribute to Saint Patrick’s Christianization work during the 5th century. It was only through hard work that he succeeded in making it one of Ireland’s leading festivals!
Little is known about Luc de Wadding. Nevertheless, he is said to have originated from the town of Waterford in Ireland, and lived in Spain and Rome in Italy. Quickly committed to his faith, he taught theology in Salamanca and then in Rome, where he was entrusted with numerous missions to the Holy See.
Among his most notable achievements, he succeeded in instituting a festival in the name of Saint Patrick. The festival continues to this day and has become an eagerly awaited event the world over!
