To celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick, children are invited to wear green on March 17 in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day, but there is a requirement. Learn all or part of the beautiful prayer, “St. Patrick’s Breastplate,” and be prepared to recite what you know to Mr. Teller (or, for middle school students, Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Hamiter, or Mrs. Ratajczak) upon your arrival.
“The Lorica” or “Saint Patrick’s Breastplate”
This powerful prayer was composed by Saint Patrick in the year 433. He was aware that there was an ambush to try to kill him and his group en route to the King’s court. It was during the march that they chanted the sacred Lorica or Deer’s Cry – later known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate. Be prepared to recite at least a line or two as you arrive with green clothing on Monday, March 17.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
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.