St. Patrick
Noble One
The name Patrick means noble one. Legends abound of the patron saint of Ireland. Did he drive the snakes out of Ireland? We do not know this with certainty. We do know, however, that St. Patrick (c. A.D. 389-461) is credited with converting the pagans in Ireland to Christianity.
At age 16 Patrick was carried off to Ireland in slavery. He escaped after six years and returned to his home in Roman Britain, After being ordained and then eventually being made a bishop, St. Patrick fulfilled his burning desire to bring the light of faith to the island of those who had held him captive in his youth.
Patrick converted countless numbers of people. He built churches, established dioceses and ordained priests, all while undergoing great hardships and dangers. His missionary zeal was extraordinary. Still, for all his accomplishments he remained humble, believing himself an unworthy sinner.
The church celebrates the feast day of St. Patrick on March 17.
From the Breastplate of St. Patrick:
Christ, be 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 where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that bears me.
Prayer of St. Patrick
Christ be with me, Christ within me,Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ besides me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet. Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you. May thewind be always at your back. May the sun
shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft
upon your fields and, until we meet again, may
God hold you in the palm of His hand.