The Lorica of Saint Patrick!

Happy Solemnity of All Saints!

One of the numerous saints we might want to pray to today and perhaps every day is Saint Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. He is a good intercessor for the universal church! Pray for all the bishops of the world! If you reside in the United States then please pray specifically for your own diocesan bishop.  As successors to the Apostles, they are chosen to preside over the church; and specifically to those entrusted to their care.

I have experienced many joy filled years as a catechist! I cherished praying for an increase of vocations to the priesthood with religious education and parochial school children through the years. This was done as a staff member, as well as volunteering my time at local parishes.  Currently, the Lord is calling young men from every diocese to be “Fishers of Men”.  I know you already know this, but some may even be called from our own families!

The next time you are present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass ( that would be today) do not be too surprised that a “future bishop” might be standing, kneeling or sitting in the same pew with you! Whether he is an infant in his mother or father’s arms, a student receiving his first sacraments or has recently become a brand new “Soldier of Christ” at Confirmation: The Lord is always at work providing holy bishops in our present time and in the future of our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.  

Tomorrow, I will be praying for the deceased members of my family, friends and the bishops (who are no longer with us) of the diocese where I reside. I have been blessed to attend Mass at the Cathedral (along with a multitude of the faithful), priestly ordinations, and Eucharistic Adoration (for an end to abortion) with one of these bishops who has passed on to eternal life. My religious education students and I should have sent him the Lorica of Saint Patrick prayer in a Christmas card while he was still alive. It’s an essential prayer!                           

The Lorica of Saint Patrick begins:

I arise today,

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through the confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

For the rest of the prayer go to: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/lorica-of-saint-patrick-349