A great-hearted loving person at a time when the world that the West had known at that time was starting to fall apart with the collapsing of the Roman Empire, his willingness to answer God's call set the stage not only for the conversion of Ireland, but with the founding of Irish Monasticism, allowed an important safe haven for literacy and learning for the dark days that would follow. And his life overlaps that of the historical figure behind the King Arthur legends.
A man of deep feeling, who loved God passionately, and out of that love, bravely went where he was sent and changed his corner of the world.
But I'm not exactly sure he would like how America celebrates his feast day!
Green beer has never passed my lips, Knitting!!
;^)
I think he would grab a Guinness and holler "Erin go bragh".