Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick, often to the surprise of those who read about his life story, was not Irish... he was English, born of pure British stock. At the age of 14, he was captured by Irish invaders and was brought to Ireland as a slave. Patrick eventually escaped his enslavement by stowing away on a ship headed for Gaul carrying dogs being taken to market. Once in Gaul, he became a student of Saint Germanus of Auxerre.
Some 15 years after his escape from Ireland, Partick felt a calling to return for missionary work. Saint Germanus honored Patrick with the position of Bishop in the Church and sent him on his way back to the land of his slavery in 432 A.D.
The Shield of St. Patrick
I bind unto myself today the strong name of the trinity,
by invocation of the same, the Three in One, the One in Three.
I bind this day to me forever by power of faith Christ's incarnation,
His baptism in the Jordan river, his death on the cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spiced tomb, his riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to harken 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.
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.
I bind unto myself the name, the strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three,
Of whom all nature hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word;
Praise to the God of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord!
