Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 by Irish pirates. As a slave, Patrick recalled his Christian upbringing and instead of becoming embittered, he was penitent: "I was at that time about sixteen years of age. I did not, indeed, know the true God; and I was taken into captivity in Ireland with many thousands of people, according to our deserts, for quite drawn away from God, we did not keep his precepts, nor were we obedient to our priests who used to remind us of our salvation...And there the Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief, in order that, even so late, I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God, who had regard for my insignificance and pitied my youth and ignorance. And he watched over me before I knew him, and before I learned sense or even distinguished between good and evil, and he protected me, and consoled me as a father would his son."

One of his jobs was tending sheep, and it was there Patrick developed the habit of praying unceasingly. Friendly traders helped him escape after 6 years, enabling him to return to his family, but he would return to Ireland as a missionary, converting kings and whole kingdoms, and establishing churches all over Ireland.

Saint Patrick's Prayer for the Faithful

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.

Saint Patrick - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
St. Patrick: Pilgrim, Patron and Model
Saint Patrick: Prayer for the Faithful
The Confession of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick Statue