Feast of St. Patrick

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of St. Patrick, bishop, who was born circa 389 AD in Roman-Britain, perhaps in Wales.  He was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland.  After six years he escaped and made his way back to Britain.  Having been ordained to the priesthood he received a vision calling him back to Ireland.  Subsequently he traveled back to Ireland, eventually establishing the Archdiocese of Armagh.  There are many fascinating stories and legends about his evangelization of the Emerald Isle.  He left us a Confessio and the "Lorica" or Breastplate, a work praising Christ.  There is much more to St. Patrick than corned-beef and green beer, or even shamrocks.  Take some time to learn more about this important saint.  For now, take his "Lorica" to prayer. According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote it in 433 A.D. for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. (The term breastplate refers to a piece of armor worn in battle.)

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of 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 descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.