Patrick of Ireland

Many years ago, a young British lad of 16, Maewyn Succot, was abducted from his home by Pirates, and treated as a slave for 6 years. Then, receiving a vision from God he was to go home, he escaped. He traveled for miles to finally get to a port, found a ship sailing for Brittan, and came home. His life had changed, however, and he became a Christian, then a priest. Another vision call him back to his captors isle, however, and he returned to share Christ with the people there, using the new name he had taken, Patrick, and eventually becoming Bishop there. While others had already been spreading the Good News, it is his influence that is most often recognized. Patron Saint of Ireland, today is the day remembering his death, March 17th, although the exact date cannot be verified.

The following hymn, in prayer form, is attributed to St. Patrick. I've posted it here before, but it bears repeating. His strength in humility, his peace in total submission to the Triune God he loved and served so well.


St. Patrick's Breastplate

I arise today, Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity
Through belief in the Threeness
Through confession in the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension
Through the strength of his decent for the judgment of doom

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim
In obedience of angels
In service of archangels
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward
In prayers of patriarchs
In predictions of prophets
In preaching of apostles
In faith of confessors
In innocence of Holy Virgins
In deeds of righteous men

I arise today
Through the strength of Heaven
Light of sun; radiance of moon'
Splendor of fire; depth of sea;
Stability of Earth; firmness of rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me
God's might to uphold me
God's wisdom to guide me
God's eye to look before me
God's ear to hear me
God's word to speak for me
God's hand to guide me
God's way to lie before me
God's shield to protect me
God's host to save me
From snares of devils; from temptations of vices
From everyone who shall wish me ill
Afar and anear; alone and in multitude

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils
Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul
Against incantations of false prophets
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics
Against craft of idolatry
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards
Against every knowledge that corrupts men's body and soul

Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning, against drowning, against wounding
So that there may come to me abundance of reward
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me

I arise today, Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity
Through belief in the Threeness
Through confession in the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation