Saint Patrick, the missionary who evangelised Ireland and became a symbol of Christian courage, is one of the best-known saints in the world, although his true story is often shrouded in legend. Celebrated on 17 March, his legacy transcends cultural and religious boundaries—especially because of his famous prayer, the Breastplate of Saint Patrick, considered a powerful spiritual weapon against evil.
Origins and Youth
Saint Patrick was born around the year 385 AD, probably in Roman Britain, into a middle-class Christian family. His birth name was Maewyn Succat. At the age of 16, his life changed dramatically: he was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. For six years, he worked as a shepherd, living in extreme solitude.
It was during this period of suffering that he turned deeply to God. Constant prayer and trust in Christ began to fill his soul. As he recounts in his own words (in a text known as the Confession), it was there, in exile, that his missionary calling was born.
Conversion and Mission
After miraculously escaping slavery, Patrick returned to his homeland and entered religious life. He studied and was ordained a priest, then later a bishop—but his heart remained fixed on the Irish people, the very ones who had once enslaved him.
Responding to this inner calling, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, with the goal of evangelising a pagan people. With courage, humility, and wisdom, he proclaimed the Gospel, respecting the local culture and translating the Christian faith in an accessible way. According to tradition, he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity—a symbol that still represents Ireland today.
A Life of Holiness and Miracles
Saint Patrick faced opposition, danger, and threats. Yet his life was marked by signs of divine protection and miracles attributed to his intercession. Some of the most often mentioned include:
- The conversion of kings and tribal chieftains, which paved the way for the Christianisation of the country;
- The legend that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland, interpreted by many as a symbol of Christianity’s triumph over pagan forces;
- Prophetic dreams and visions that helped him make decisions in his mission.
His miracles are more associated with the transformation of the people and the strength of their faith than with visible wonders. But this is precisely what makes him such a human and relatable saint: a man who turned wounds into mission.
Where He Lived and Died
Patrick spent almost his entire missionary life in Ireland, travelling through various regions of the country. He died around the year 461 AD, probably in Downpatrick, where a cathedral dedicated to him now stands.
Canonisation and Veneration
Saint Patrick was canonised before the formal process of canonisation was established (which only came about in the 13th century). Like many saints of the early centuries, he was recognised as a saint by popular acclamation and the tradition of the Church. Devotion to him grew over the centuries, and today he is one of the most celebrated patron saints in all of Christendom.
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate: the Armour of Faith
Among Saint Patrick’s greatest spiritual legacies is the Breastplate of Saint Patrick, a powerful prayer of protection. It is believed to have been composed by him in the face of danger during his mission. According to tradition, as he approached a hostile territory, Patrick recited the prayer as an invisible armour of faith, and he and his companions passed unnoticed by their enemies.
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through faith in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ’s birth and His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion and burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection and ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgement of the dead.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of the Cherubim,
In obedience of Angels,
In the service of Archangels,
In the hope of resurrection and reward,
In the prayers of Patriarchs,
In the predictions of Prophets,
In the preaching of Apostles,
In the faith of Confessors,
In the innocence of holy Virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of the sun,
Radiance of the moon,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today:
May the strength of God pilot me,
The power of God uphold me,
The wisdom of God guide me,
The eye of God look before me,
The ear of God hear me,
The word of God speak for me,
The hand of God protect me,
The path of God lie before me,
The shield of God defend me,
The host of God save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From every one who shall wish me ill,
Afar and near,
Alone and in multitude.
I summon today all these powers against every hostile merciless force
Which may assail my body and soul,
Against the enchantments of false prophets,
Against the black laws of paganism,
Against the false laws of heretics,
Against the craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul.
Christ to protect me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that I may receive abundant reward.
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 lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through faith in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness,
Of the Creator of creation.