Who is St Patrick?
St Patrick is Ireland’s most famous and most loved saint. The Irish settlers who set up and established our College, founded in 1840, chose St Patrick when naming it. The founding occurred on 17 March, the Feast Day of St Patrick, the date of his death. On this day we celebrate his life because he remains a guiding light for our community. His example shows us the importance of being in right relationship with God and each other. St Patrick was extraordinary at building communities, most notably in Ireland where he spread the Word to pagans after receiving a vision from God.
His writing of the Breastplate of St Patrick was another significant contribution. According to tradition, St Patrick wrote it in 433 AD 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 armour worn in battle.) More recent scholars suggest its author was anonymous. In any case, this prayer certainly reflects the spirit with which St Patrick brought our faith to Ireland! St Patrick's Breastplate, also known as The Lorica of Saint Patrick was popular enough to inspire a hymn based on this text as well. (This prayer has also been called The Deer’s Cry). The words of the shorter version of the prayer are as follows:
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.
Louise East - Religious Education Coordinator