Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

The Commemoration of Saint Patrick

Bishop, Confessor, Apostle of Ireland

       

From the Confession of Saint Patrick, Bishop

I give unceasing thanks to my God, who kept me faithful in the day of my testing.  Today, I can offer him sacrifice with confidence, giving myself as a living victim to Christ, my Lord, who kept me safe through all my trials.  I can say now: Who am I, Lord,and what is my calling, that you worked through me with such divine power?

…

How did I get this wisdom, that was not mine before?  I did not know the number of my days, or have knowledge of God… If I am worthy, I am ready to give up my life, without hesitation and most willingly, for his name.

…

It is among that people that I want to wait for the promise made by him, who assuredly never  tells a lie.  He makes this promise in the Gospel: They shall come from the east and the west, and sit down with Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.  This is our faith: believers are to come from the whole world.

Let us pray:

O God, who chose  the Bishop Saint Patrick,

to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland,

grant,  through his merits and intercession,

that those who glory the name of Christian

may never cease to proclaim your wondrous deeds.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.  Amen