☘️ Prayer to St. Patrick
The prayer to St. Patrick honors the beloved patron saint of Ireland and one of the most famous missionaries in Christian history. St. Patrick was a Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. This prayer seeks his intercession for Ireland, missionaries, and all who invoke his powerful help.
Prayer to St. Patrick
Traditional Prayer
O glorious St. Patrick,
bishop and confessor,
who didst become the apostle of Ireland,
and didst convert innumerable multitudes
to the Catholic faith,
obtain for me the grace to walk
in the footsteps of Jesus Christ,
and to persevere in the practice of virtue
until the end of my life.
O most holy patron of Ireland,
pray for me and for all the faithful,
that we may be worthy to obtain
the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Short Prayer
St. Patrick,
patron of Ireland,
pray for us and help us
to spread the Gospel
with courage and love.
Amen.
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.
Amen.
When to Pray to St. Patrick
- • On March 17th - Feast day of St. Patrick
- • On Saturdays - Traditional day to honor St. Patrick
- • For Ireland - When praying for Ireland and the Irish people
- • For missionaries - When praying for missionary work
- • For snakes - When praying for protection from evil (symbolic)
- • For conversion - When praying for the conversion of sinners
- • For courage - When seeking courage to spread the Gospel
- • For protection - When seeking protection from harm
- • For faith - When praying for stronger faith
- • Daily devotion - As a regular prayer to St. Patrick
History and Significance
Apostle of Ireland
St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, converting thousands and establishing the Church throughout the island.
Missionary Bishop
St. Patrick was ordained a bishop and sent to Ireland as a missionary, where he spent over 30 years spreading the Gospel.
Shamrock
St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, making it a symbol of both Ireland and the Catholic faith.
Confessions
St. Patrick wrote his "Confessions," an autobiographical work that gives us insight into his life and missionary work in Ireland.
St. Patrick's Titles and Patronages
- • Patron of Ireland - Protector of Ireland and the Irish people
- • Patron of Missionaries - Helper of those who spread the Gospel
- • Patron of Engineers - Helper of those who build and create
- • Patron of Fear of Snakes - Protector from fears and phobias
- • Apostle of Ireland - The one who brought Christianity to Ireland
- • Bishop and Confessor - Holy bishop who confessed the faith
- • Enlightener of Ireland - The one who brought light to Ireland
- • National Apostle - Ireland's national saint and apostle
The Lorica of St. Patrick
St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
Amen.