Reference: Clairvaux 1957

St Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick was a 5th-century missionary to Ireland and later served as bishop there. He is credited with bringing Christianity to parts of Ireland and was probably partly responsible for the Christianisation of the Picts and Anglo-Saxons. He is one of the patron saints of Ireland.

St Patrick's Cathedral was dedicated on the 27th of October 1897

Around 40,000 Irish convicts were transported to Australia between 1791 and 1867, Other than convicts, most of the labourers who voluntarily emigrated to Australia in the 19th century were drawn from the poorest sector of British and Irish society, both male and female. Most Irish emigrants to Australia were free settlers.

A highlight of the school year was the annual St. Patrick's Day procession, held on the Saturday nearest March 17. Thousands of Catholic students marched, along with Irish Societies, Irish dancers and decorated floats up Bourke Street to Spring Street, where the salute was taken by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Mannix, before terminating at St Patrick's Cathedral for Benediction.

At the head of the St Bernard's contingent, the familiar blue, black and gold flag led the 250 students. Conspicuously attired in there black blazers, the College band contrasted vividly with the students' familiar grey uniforms and blue caps, all a credit to the College and their parents.

The first St. Patrick's Day parade dates back to March 17, 1843, and continued until 1970.