The servant of Christ is captured and sold as a slave; he feeds the king's swine; he, whom Christ has chosen, and foretold to be the pastor of his flock.
Hail, glorious Saint Patrick, dear Saintt 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 Saintt Patrick, thy words were once strong
Against Satan's wiles and a heretic throng;
Not less in thy might now in heaven thou art,
Oh, come to our aid, in our battle take part.
In 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 pray'r,
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 wast on earth,
And our hearts shall yet burn, where-so-ever we roam,
For God and Saint Patrick and our native home.
(Sung for 1st Vespers of the Solemnity of Saint Patrick at St Joseph's Seminary.)
Leave a comment