Saint Patrick's Day is a unique day for Irish people around the world. It is firstly a commemoration of the very special and pious man who's deep love for Ireland and the Irish drove him to give up his home, his family and a life of luxury. He was a remarkable man and his hard-found faith and sense of God's call caused him to suffer loss and experience hardship with little thought for his own comfort.
The day has also become a celebration of Ireland and being Irish. Although it is a Catholic Holy Day, St. Patrick's Day has also become a secular holiday. And the Irish have exported it as part of their national tradition everywhere they have travelled. But however it may seem to others, being Irish is bound up with our faith and the history of that faith. So listen out for a few bars of "Hail Glorious Saint Patrick" on the day.
HAIL, GLORIOUS SAINT PATRICK
Written by Sister Agnes
Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! dear saint of our isle,
On us thy poor children bestow a sweet smile,
And now thou art high in the mansions above,
On, Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.
Hail, glorious Saint Patrick! thy words were once strong,
Against Satan's wiles and a heretic throng;
Not less is thy might where in heaven thou art;
Oh, come to our aid, in our battle take part!
In the war against sin, in the fight for the faith,
Dear Saint, may thy children resist to the death;
May their strength be in meekness, in penance, and prayer,
Their banner the cross, which they glory to bear.
Thy people, now exiles on many a shore,
Shall love and revere thee till time be no more;
And the fire thou hast kindled shall ever burn bright,
Its warmth undiminished, undying its light
Ever bless and defend the sweet land of our birth,
Where the shamrock still blooms as when thou wert on earth,
And our hearts shall yet burn, wheresoever we roam,
For God and Saint Patrick and our native home.
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