This week we take a brief departure from Lent to celebrate the feast of Ireland's patron, St Patrick.
Next Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. As in previous years, we will have a different poem and piece of sacred music each day, chosen to help enrich the experience of this most solemn time of the liturgical year.
Next Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. As in previous years, we will have a different poem and piece of sacred music each day, chosen to help enrich the experience of this most solemn time of the liturgical year.
Website of the Week
17th March: Fifth Sunday of Lent and St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Prayer for Protection
Website of the Week
17th March: Fifth Sunday of Lent and St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Prayer for Protection
"I Arise Today"
(also known as The Deer's Cry, St Patrick's Breastplate, or St Patrick's Lorica)
The world has probably never been in greater need of sanctuary than it is now. Climate change, pandemics, earthquakes and war rage across our planet. St Patrick, whose feast day occurs this Friday, speaks to us down 16 centuries in what may be the most powerful prayer for protection ever composed. It is set to music here by Shaun Davey and sung by Rita Connolly (from the album, "The Pilgrim. A Celtic suite for orchestra, soloists, pipe band and choir.")
Click on the image above to listen and pray.
Prayer of St. Patrick (The Deer’s Cry)
I arise today through the strength of heaven
Light of sun, radiance of moon
Splendour of fire, speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind, depth of the sea
Stability of earth, firmness of rock
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me
God’s eye to look before me
God’s wisdom to guide me
God’s way to lie before me
God’s shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and a-near
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel, merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul
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 to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
I Arise today.
Click on the image above to listen and pray.
Prayer of St. Patrick (The Deer’s Cry)
I arise today through the strength of heaven
Light of sun, radiance of moon
Splendour of fire, speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind, depth of the sea
Stability of earth, firmness of rock
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me
God’s eye to look before me
God’s wisdom to guide me
God’s way to lie before me
God’s shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill
Afar and a-near
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel, merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul
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 to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
I Arise today.
The Story of "The Deer's Cry"
This prayer is also known as The Deer's Cry. It was composed by Saint Patrick in the year 433 AD. As he was en route to the High King of Ireland at Tara, the king's druids lay in ambush to kill Patrick. On the way, Patrick and his monks sang this great prayer. As the druids lay in hiding, ready to kill, it is said that they saw not Patrick and his men, but a gentle doe followed by twenty fawns. The miracle saved Patrick and his men.