Did an Irish soldier or scholar translate St. Patrick's prayer into an English hymn? No, that job fell to Mrs. Cecil Frances Alexander, beloved author of hundreds of hymns.
My favorite Trinitarian song. It is so strong and valiant. I recently taught a class on the Athanasian Creed and this was the theme for my first class in the series. Has the original been translated into English?
Yes, into English prose -- you can find it on the Wikipedia page for the poem. I've found a 19th century translation -- but I haven't found a poetic translation other than Mrs. Alexander's translation / paraphrase, which is really quite fine.
This is an amazingly powerful hymn which I have always loved.
Exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger says that the demons fear this prayer. Imagine how Patrick, body in the grave and soul in the heights of heaven, is still working wonders! And through poetry.
It makes a great morning prayer, there is a useful version among the prayers on the EWTN website. And here is a nice dramatic reading very close to their text. https://youtu.be/CmXsOVh51Bg?si=gulgfqjqSXCIqgwE from a set of English versions of Medieval texts. Thank you for the rich reflection, another gift for the rebuilding of civilization. The hymn text is full of divine life and mystery , rugged in its earthiness, and staggering in what you called Patrick’s confidence. Saint Patrick, pray for us!
I've always loved this hymn which became particularly meaningful and powerfully comforting 40 years ago when my family and I were relocating to the Mosquito Coast of Costa Rica to minister in the Anglican Church. The Lord had given me two words: "spiritual warfare" and "crucifixion" and, then, "cling to Me whatever happens." Thank you for illuminating St. Patrick's prayer. And birthday blessings today! May our Lord richly bless you today and throughout 2025. And, please, God, no more floods in the basement!
Love it! Manly music, and matter that matters. Music that marches…..
My favorite Trinitarian song. It is so strong and valiant. I recently taught a class on the Athanasian Creed and this was the theme for my first class in the series. Has the original been translated into English?
Yes, into English prose -- you can find it on the Wikipedia page for the poem. I've found a 19th century translation -- but I haven't found a poetic translation other than Mrs. Alexander's translation / paraphrase, which is really quite fine.
This is an amazingly powerful hymn which I have always loved.
Exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger says that the demons fear this prayer. Imagine how Patrick, body in the grave and soul in the heights of heaven, is still working wonders! And through poetry.
It makes a great morning prayer, there is a useful version among the prayers on the EWTN website. And here is a nice dramatic reading very close to their text. https://youtu.be/CmXsOVh51Bg?si=gulgfqjqSXCIqgwE from a set of English versions of Medieval texts. Thank you for the rich reflection, another gift for the rebuilding of civilization. The hymn text is full of divine life and mystery , rugged in its earthiness, and staggering in what you called Patrick’s confidence. Saint Patrick, pray for us!
Happy day, glad you both are here.
We are so glad to be able to give these lovely hymns a "venue" every week! And so glad to have folks like you "along for the journey!"
Thank you for the link to the spoken prayer.
The Lorica truly is one of the all time great hymns.
Enjoy this modern choral setting of the second part, by the Estonian composer Pärt.
https://youtu.be/Ir3htl3UlBk?si=EYbGxDeiDZjuYL-J
Thank you for sharing that link.
I've always loved this hymn which became particularly meaningful and powerfully comforting 40 years ago when my family and I were relocating to the Mosquito Coast of Costa Rica to minister in the Anglican Church. The Lord had given me two words: "spiritual warfare" and "crucifixion" and, then, "cling to Me whatever happens." Thank you for illuminating St. Patrick's prayer. And birthday blessings today! May our Lord richly bless you today and throughout 2025. And, please, God, no more floods in the basement!
Thank you, Jane! And the basement's dry -- but I did have to go down there at 1 AM and make sure the water didn't get under the hot water heater ...
That's what good fathers do! God bless you. Happy Feast of St. Joseph!