2016 03-13 We Are Challenged to Follow the Example of Saint Patrick

From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy

We celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Patrick is a saint known primarily for his great missionary work with the Irish people. He was a priest and later became a bishop in the fifth century. While living in England, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland where he lived as a servant. After about six years, he escaped and went back to Britain. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary and taught the people about the Christian God, and prepared many of them for baptism and entrance into the Catholic Church. He often made use of a shamrock, a three leaf clover, to teach about the Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He worked tirelessly in his ministry as he continued on his journey of faith.

The following extract is taken from the prayer, Saint Patrick’s Breastplate. It is a powerful prayer composed by Saint Patrick asking for the Lord’s protection and guidance:

I ARISE TODAY
THROUGH A MIGHTY STRENGTH, THE INVOCATION OF THE TRINITY,
THROUGH THE BELIEF IN THE THREENESS,
THROUGH CONFESSION OF THE ONENESS OF THE CREATOR OF CREATION,
I ARISE TODAY.
THROUGH THE STRENGTH OF THE LOVE OF CHERIBUM,
IN OBEDIENCE OF ANGELS, IN THE SERVICE OF ARCHANGELS,
IN HOPE OF RESURRECTION TO MEET WITH REWARD,
IN PREDICTIONS OF PROPHETS, IN PREACHING OF APOSTLES,
IN FAITH OF CONFESSORS, IN INNOCENCE OF HOLY VIRGINS,
IN DEEDS OF RIGHTEOUS MEN,
I ARISE TODAY.
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 ARISE
CHRIST IN THE HEART OF EVERY MAN WHO THINKS OF ME,
CHRIST IN EVERY EYE THAT SEES ME, CHRIST IN EVERY EAR THAT HEARS ME.
I ARISE TODAY.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has a very special place in his heart for St. Patrick and the Irish people. As a young priest, Pope Francis lived in Ireland for three months as he studied the English language at the Jesuit Center in Milltown. He came to appreciate Irish literature and Irish culture, and especially the great faith of the Irish people. He was extremely thankful for the hospitality afforded him.

In “The Confession of St. Patrick“; Saint Patrick said, “May it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this remote land. I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing.”

As we reflect on these profound words, and in the spirit of Pope Francis, we are invited and challenged to follow the example of Saint Patrick and truly be faithful witnesses to the Gospel as we continue to answer our call to discipleship.

Pastor's Corner

2016 03-13 We Are Challenged to Follow the Example of Saint Patrick

2016 03-20 Celebrate and Experience the Joy of Palm Sunday

Archive

2016 03-06 Prayer Should be an Integral Part of our Lenten Journey of Faith