Saint Patrick

 

Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Patrick.  He was a humble, pious, gentle man, who had great love and total devotion to and trust in God. He knew God's mission for him was for the conversion of the people of Ireland. He was a bishop and missionary who was once a slave. He wrote of his love for God in Confessions of Saint Patrick. Through his teachings and travels throughout Ireland, he endured poverty and great suffering. Many miracles were attributed to him. He often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity.  He became known for his life of sacrifice, prayer and fasting.

 

"So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon Him because He cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you after you have suffered a little. To Him be dominion forever." 1 Peter 5:6-11

 

As we continue our journey through Lent, there is so much suffering in our nation and our world. God is calling upon us to pray more, fast, make sacrifices and offer our sufferings for the whole world.

 

For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.  (From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)

 

Let us pray to Saint Patrick for Ireland and for the conversion of the people of Ireland that they will turn back to the Lord and end abortion. 

 

Let us pray for those who are enslaved, persecuted and marginalized in our world today and for all those who are most vulnerable, especially the unborn.  

                                                                                                                                                         Let us pray for the people in Ukraine, for an end to the war and the conversion of Russia.

 

Let us pray for the conversion of the United States of America and all countries from a culture of death to a culture of life. Let us ask Saint Patrick to give us his missionary spirit to speak the truth, in love, to those we encounter and bring them the Love of Jesus.

 

The Breastplate of Saint Patrick 

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.

 

"May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the Word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and forever more." Saint Patrick

 

The seventy two returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20

 

Christians attribute Saint Patrick for the expulsion of "spiritual" serpents from Ireland and for waging war against the demonic presence on the island. The Breastplate of Saint Patrick is a powerful prayer against the powers of darkness.

 

Saint Patrick, courageous missionary, teach us to speak the truth, in love, as you did and pray for us and all families and all who are suffering that they may draw close to the Lord and Our Lady in the midst of their trials and rejoice that their names are written in heaven.