Like most children in Ireland, I learned to sing the lorica of St. Patrick in both English and Irish, and it was as familiar to me as the Barry’s or Lyons tea that is drunk in most Irish houses. The word lorica comes from the Latin word for “a coat of armor, mail, or breastplate” that was put on before the Roman troops would go to battle. The famous “Christ before me, Christ behind me” prayer of St. Patrick is part of a series of prayers invoked for their protection and strength. Enjoy a musical version in the video below.
For more musical inspiration this day, here’s another song we all grew up with in Ireland. It is called “Ag Criost An Siol” and is very much associated with Celtic wisdom. Follow along with the Irish and an English translation of the lyrics.
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