Hail St. Patrick, apostle of the heathen Irish, and that they were. You're familiar with his history, taken into captivity by Irish slavers raiding late Roman Britain, and how by the grace of God working on extraordinary asceticism he converted that pagan nation. We might pray for Patrick to clear out our present den of snakes, d'ye not think?
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst call thy servant Patrick to preach the Gospel: Raise up, we beseech thee, in this and every land evangelists and heralds of thy kingdom, that thy Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Patrick, holy saint, please clear out the den of vipers who belovedly rule over us. Please end this tyranny of snakes.
Yours,
LSP
thanks for posting this LSP! One of my favorite saints. I consider Columba and Patrick as my patron saints. (Columba officially) Imagine being a "suburban kid" whose dad is a civil servant and your family was originally from somewhere else in the Empire but you live on the Western shore of Britain. Minding your own business you are kidnaped and pressed into slavery for six years - finally escaping - then minding the urge of the Holy Spirit to go back to the same people - once you entered the priesthood - to carry on the work of the church. Always amazing.
ReplyDeleteSeamus, it's a remarkable story of great faith and grace.
DeleteI hope that you had a St. Patrick's Day filled with green.
ReplyDeleteI was in Dallas, LL. which was good. No green though.
DeleteI'm not sure Saint Patrick wouldn't throw up his hands, and walk away from 'our' snake pit!
ReplyDeleteNFO, he'd be most appalled! Let's ask for his powerful intercession, not least for Ireland.
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