Every year on St. Patrick's Day, Americans of Irish descent celebrate Ireland 's patron saint by marching in parades, wearing green neckties and perhaps visiting a local tavern to "drown the shamrock,” as the saying goes. But to many, the holiday retains a more somber and reflective aspect. It must not be forgotten, after all, that the day is dedicated to a Catholic saint, someone who possesses "heroic virtue” in the e...