St. Patrick drew his strength and fearlessness from his profound faith. In the breviary we recite words ( chant) taken from St. Patrick’s ‘Breastplate’.
I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity:
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead
His eye to watch, his might to stay
His ear to hearken to my need
The wisdom of my God to teach ,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The Word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard !
His love for Christ and his intense awareness of Christ’s presence are transparent as he continues:
Christ be with me , Christ within me ,
Christ behind me , Christ before me ,
Christ beside 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 .
Nelson MCBS 