Saint Patrick’s Day is the annual festival on March 17 that honors Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the patron saint of Ireland (also observed by many as a general celebration of all things Irish). On that day, many people wear shamrocks and green clothing and drink—often to excess.
But one of the best ways to celebrate Saint Patrick is to pray with him.
How does one do that? I’m so glad you asked.
A famous prayer attributed to Saint Patrick, called “The Lorica” or “Breastplate of St. Patrick,” is a wonderful way to start your day (or a journey, meeting or pretty much any challenge):
Today I put on
a terrible strength
invoking the Trinity
confessing the Three
with faith in the One
as I face my Maker.
Today I put on the power
of Christ’s birth and baptism,
of his hanging and burial,
His resurrection, ascension,
and descent at the Judgment.
Today I put on the power
of the order of the Cherubim,
angels’ obedience,
archangels’ attendance,
in hope of ascending
to my reward;
patriarchs’ prayers,
prophets’ predictions,
apostles precepts,
confessors’ testimony,
holy virgins’ innocence
and the deeds of true men.
Today I put on
the power of Heaven,
the light of the Sun,
the radiance of the Moon,
the splendour of fire,
the fierceness of lightning,
the swiftness of wind,
the depth of the sea,
the firmness of earth
and the hardness of rock.
Today I put on
God’s strenghth to steer me,
God’s power to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye for my vision,
God’s ear for my hearing,
God’s word for my speech,
God’s hand to protect me,
God’s pathway before me,
God’s shield for my shelter,
God’s angels to guard me
from ambush of devils,
from vice’s allurements,
from traps of the flesh,
from all who wish ill,
whether distant or close,
alone or in hosts.
I summon these powers today
to take my part against every implacable power
that attacks my body and soul,
the chants of false prophets,
dark laws of the pagans,
false heretics’ laws,
entrapments of idols,
enchantments of women
or smiths or druids,
and all knowledge that poisons
man’s body or soul.
Christ guard me today
from poison, from burning,
from drowning, from hurt,
that I have my reward.
Christ beside me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ within me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie,
Christ where I sit,
Christ where I rise.
Christ in the hearts of all who think of me,
Christ in the mouths of all who speak to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Today I put on
a terrible strength,
invoking the Trinity,
confessing the Three,
with faith in the One
as I face my Maker.
With a few small adjustments (mostly replacing “I” with “him/her” or “them”), the Lorica (a Latin word meaning “armor” or “breastplate”) can become a powerful and reassuring prayer of protection for your spouse, children, grandchildren and other loved ones—one that can be used even on occasions other than Saint Patrick’s Day.
