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 we 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.
Saint Patrick's Prayer of Protection
(also known as St Patrick's Breastplate, St Patrick's Lorica or The Deer's Cry)
The world has probably never been in greater need of sanctuary than it is now. Climate change, pandemics and now the threat of a catastrophic war confront us. St Patrick, whose feast day occurs this Thursday, speaks to us down 16 centuries in what may be the most powerful prayer for protection ever composed. Click on the image above to listen and pray.