Liturgy of St Patrick

The Entrance Rite: St Patrick's Breastplate, The Litany of the Celtic Saints or (if celebrated in the evening) Lucernarium, may be said or sung.

St Patrick’s Breastplate or Deer’s Cry

I bind unto myself todaythe strong Name of the Trinity,by invocation of the same,the Three in One, and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever,by power of faith, Christ's Incarnation;his baptism in Jordan river;his death on cross for my salvation;his bursting from the spicèd tomb;his riding up the heavenly way;his coming at the day of doom:I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the powerof the great love of cherubim;the sweet "Well done" in judgment hour;the service of the seraphim;confessors' faith, apostles' word,the patriarchs' prayers, the prophets' scrolls;all good deeds done unto the Lord,and purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today the virtues of the starlit heaventhe glorious sun's life-giving ray,the whiteness of the moon at even,the flashing of the lightning free,the whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,the stable earth, the deep salt sea,around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself todaythe power of God to hold and lead,

his eye to watch, his might to stay,his ear to hearken, to my need;the wisdom of my God to teach,his hand to guide, his shield to ward;the word of God to give me speech,his heavenly host to be my guard.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,Christ behind me,Christ before me,Christ beside me,Christ to win me,Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me,Christ above me,Christ in quiet,Christ in danger,Christ in hearts ofall that love me,Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself todaythe strong Name of the Trinity,by invocation of the same,the Three in One, and One in Three.Of whom all nature hath creation,eternal Father, Spirit, Word:praise to the Lord of my salvation,salvation is of Christ the Lord.

A Litany of Celtic Saints

Deacon or Celebrant: O God make speed to save usAll: O Lord make haste to help us.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

We have sinned, O Lord, we have sinned: remit our sins and save us. Hear us, O Thou who didst guide Noah upon the waves of the flood, and didst recall Jonah from the abyss of Thy Word, free us. O Thou who didst offer a hand to peter as he was sinking, bear us up, O Christ, Son of God. Thou didst perform wonder among our fathers, O Lord: stretch forth Thy hand from on high to answer our necessities.

V: Free us, O Christ.R: Hear us, O Christ.V: Lord, have mercy upon us.

R: Lord, have mercy upon us.V: Christ, have mercy upon us.R: Christ, have mercy upon us.V: Lord, have mercy upon us.R: Lord, have mercy upon us.Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.Holy Mary, pray for us.Holy Mother of God, pray for us.Holy Virgins of Virgins, pray for us.St. Michael, pray for us.St. Gabriel, pray for us.St Raphael, pray for us.St Uriel, pray for us.All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us.All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, pray for us.St. John the Baptist, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us.All ye Holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for us.St Peter, pray for us.St Paul, pray for us.St Andrew, pray for us.St James, pray for us.St John, pray for us.St Thomas, pray for us.St James, pray for us.St Philip, pray for us.St Bartholomew, pray for us.St Matthew, pray for us.St Simon, pray for us.St Thaddeus, pray for us.St Barnabas, pray for us.St Luke, pray for us.St Mark, pray for us.All ye Holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.St Mary Magdalene, pray for us.St Joseph of Arimathea, pray for us.All ye holy Disciples of our Lord, pray for us.All ye holy innocents, pray for us.St Stephen, pray for us.St Anthony, pray for us.St Martin, pray for us.St Benedict, pray for us.St Gregory, pray for us.St Hilary, pray for us.St Patrick, pray for us.St Brigid, pray for us.St Columcille, pray for us.St David, pray for us.St Columbanus, pray for us.St Adamnan, pray for us.

St Aidan, pray for us.St Ailbe, pray for us.St Bede, pray for us.St Brendan, pray for us.St Brieuc, pray for us.St Colman, pray for us.St Comgall, pray for us.St Cuthbert, pray for us.St Declan, pray for us.St Dymphna, pray for us.St Enda, pray for us.St Fiacre, pray for us.St Fillan, pray for us.St Finbarr, pray for us.St Finian, pray for us.St Fridolin, pray for us.St Fursey, pray for us.St Gall, pray for us.St Gobnet, pray for us.St Godric, pray for us.St Illtyd, pray for us.St Ita, pray for us.St Kenneth, pray for us.St Kevin, pray for us.St Kieran, pray for us.St Killian, pray for us.St Lawrence O'Toole, pray for us.St Lua, pray for us.St Malachy, pray for us.St Melangel, pray for us.St Ninian, pray for us.St Non, pray for us.St Petroc, pray for us.St Piran, pray for us.St Samson, St Tugdual,St WinifrideAll you Saints, pray for us.

V: Be gracious. R: Spare us, O Lord.V: Be gracious. R: Free us, O Lord.V: Through Thy Cross. R: Free us, O Lord.V: We sinners entreat Thee. R: Hear us, O Son of God.V: We entreat Thee. R: Hear us, and grant us peace.V: We entreat Thee. R: Hear us.V: O Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world.R: Have mercy upon us. V: Christ hear us. R: Christ graciously hear us.

Lucernarium (Ceremony of Light)

For optional evening use.

Thy word is a lantern unto my feet,and a light unto my path.

Prayer bell or gongCelebrant: At eventide there shall be light.

Lighting of the lamp

Reader: Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who at thy word bringest on the evening twilight, with wisdom openest the gates of the heavens, and with understanding changest times and variest the seasons, and arrangest the stars in their watches in the sky, according to thy will. Thou createst day and night; thou rollest away the light from before the darkness, and the darkness from before the light; thou makest the day to pass and the night to approach, and dividest the day from the night, the Lord of hosts is thy name; a God living and enduring continually, mayest thou reign over us for ever and ever. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who bringest on the evening twilight.

Celebrant: Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reader: Daylight has ended. Night is upon us, yet unto Thee, sustainer of all things, Darkness and Light, all times and all seasons all are as one, O Lord of Creation.

Phos Hilarion

Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured,who is immortal Father, heavenly blest;Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord!Now are we come to the sun's hour of rest;the lights of evening round us shine,we hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit divine.Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung,with undefilèd tongue, Son of our God, Giver of life, alone!Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.

Pause

Celebrant: At this evening hour may the understanding of all our hearts be opened to that Light which enlighteneth everyone that cometh into the world. For this is the Light which giveth us true knowledge of the Name over all by which God is known.

+ + +

If the Lorica, Litany or Lucernarium have not been said the Celebrant may begin the Liturgy here:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.Grace and peace be with you, and with thy spirit.

The Introit (from the Missal) followed by the 1st Censing

The Angelic Hymn (all stand, omitted in Advent and Lent)

All: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless the, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christ. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. That takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takes away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect for the Day

Let us pray. (additional collects may be said)

The Epistle

The epistle is written in the . . .

It shall with the words:

Here endeth the epistle.Thanks be to God.

Bidding Prayer of St Martin

Celebrant: From our whole heart and our whole mind, O Thou who dost look over all the earth and make it to tremble, Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: For the greatest peace and tranquillity of our times, for the holy Catholic Church which is from the borders, yeah unto the ends of the earth. Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: For the Shepherd and Bishop N ….., and for all bishops, priests, deacons and clergy. Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: For this place and for those living in it, for pious leaders and all our military. Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: For all who are under the sublime Rule, for Virgins, widows and orphans. Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: For pilgrims and those who travel by land, water and air; for penitents, catechumens and captives. Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: For these who in the holy Church bring forth the fruits of mercy, O Lord God of virtues listen to our petitions. Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: That we be mindful of the Saints, Apostles and Martyrs, that by their prayers for us we may merit forgiveness. Let us pray.R: Lord have mercy.

V: Permit a Christian and a peaceful end: we ask of the Lord.R: Grant it, O Lord, grant it.

V: And the Divine influence to remain with us, a holy chain of Charity: we ask the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord, grant it.

To preserve sanctity and unity of the Catholic faith: we ask the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord, grant it.

V: Let us say: R: Lord have mercy.

(The celebrant looks to heaven and raises his hands, saying)C: O Lord graciously attend the celebration of this Sacrifice unto Thee, which cleanses us from the fault of our condition, and restores us to acceptability by Thy Name, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit throughout all ages of ages. R: Amen.

A Proper Alleluia or Tract from the Missal may be saidThe Gospel is proclaimedThe Lord be with you,and with thy spirit.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint . . . Glory be to Thee, O Lord. ….........

This is the Gospel of the Lord.Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

A Declaration of Faith - St Patrick’s Confession

There is not, nor ever was, any other God – there was none before him and there shall not be any after him – besides him who is God the Father unbegotten: without a source, from him everything else takes its beginning. He is, as we say, the one who keeps hold of all things. And his Son, Jesus Christ, whom we declare to have always existed with the Father.He was with the Father spiritually before the world came into being; begotten of the Father before the beginning of anything in a way that is beyond our speech. And ‘through him all things were made’, all things visible and invisible. He was made man, and having conquered death was taken back into the heavens to the Father.‘And he has bestowed on him all power above every name in heaven and on earth and under the earth, so that every tongue may confess that our Lord and God is Jesus Christ’. In him we believe, looking forward to his coming in the very near future when he will judge the living and the dead, and ‘will repay each according to his works’.And ‘the Father has plentifully poured upon us the Holy Spirit’, the gift and pledge of immortality, who makes those who believe and listen into ‘sons of God’ the Father and ‘fellow heirs with Christ’.This is whom we profess and worship, One God in Trinity of sacred name. Amen.

Or the Nicene Creed may be said

Litany of the Trinity

Have mercy upon us O God the Father Almighty,O God of Hosts,O High God,O Lord of all the world,O ineffable God,O Creator of the Elements.

Have mercy upon us, O Almighty God,Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,O Son twice-born,O Only-begotten of God the Father,O First born of the Virgin Mary,O beginning of all things,O completion of the world,O Word of God,O Way to the heavenly Kingdom,O life of all things,O Intelligence of the mystic world.

Have mercy upon us, O God Almighty,O Holy Spirit;O Spirit that is highest of all spirits,O Finger of God,O Protection of all Christians,

O Comforter of the sorrowful,O Clement one,O merciful Intercessor,O Imparter of true wisdom,O Author of the Holy Scriptures,O Ruler of speech,O Spirit of wisdom,O Spirit of understanding,O Spirit of counsel,O Spirit of strength,O Spirit of knowledge,O Spirit from whom is ordered every lofty thing.O Holy Spirit thou rulest all created things, visible and invisible,Have mercy upon us.

O Almighty God, the heavenly Father,and the only-begotten Son,Have mercy upon us.Have mercy upon us,O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit.Have mercy upon us, O only God,O God of heaven, have mercy upon us.Have mercy upon us, O God,from whom and through whom is the rule of all created things for Thee, O God,To whom be glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen.

AbsolutionMay Almighty God have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Holy Sprinkling (optional)

The Offertory

Celebrant: The Offertory Verse from the Missal may be said. (Blessing the water and pouring a little into the chalice.) I pray Thee, O Father, I ask intercession of Thee, O Son; I appeal to Thee, O Holy Spirit.(elevating the paten, making the Sign of the Cross over the corporal with the paten and host on it, before tipping the host on to the corporal) Jesus Christ, Alpha and Omega; this is the first and the last.(adding wine to the chalice) May the Father remit, may the Son pardon, may the Holy Spirit have mercy. (the chalice is elevated) O Lord, may these gifts which are offered be sanctified, and cleanse us from the blots of our sins, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigneth with Thee, and the Holy spirit, throughout all ages of ages. Amen.

We, Thy servants, beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thou benignly receive these offerings of our devotion, through this glorious sacrifice and our purified hearts, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Spirit, throughout the ages of ages. R: Amen.

The Second Censing(as he makes the three crosses over the elements) Let my prayer be set forth in Thy sight as incense and the lifting up of my hand as the evening sacrifice.(as he makes the circles over the elements) Come O Lord, the Almighty Sanctifier and bless this sacrifice prepared unto Thee. R: Amen.

As the celebrant washes his hands:Lord wash away mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sins.

The Secret PrayersMay this oblation of Thy servants be pleasing unto Thee, which we offer unto Thee in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in commemoration of Thy blessed Apostles, and Thy Martyrs and Confessors, of whom we especially remember St N...., and those whose feast is celebrated today, and for the souls of all our Bishops, and our Priests, and our Deacons, and our loved ones, and our children, and our penitents. May all of this be profitable unto salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit throughout all ages of ages. R: Amen.

The Secret prayer of the day from the Missal may be said

Sursum CordaThe Lord be with you,And with thy spirit.Lift up your hearts.We lift them up unto the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is meet and right so to do.

The Stowe Preface

Truly it is worthy, just, right and unto salvation for us now and here, always and everywhere to give thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord, unto Thee, Holy Lord Almighty and Eternal God. Thou who with Thine only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit, O God, art One and Immortal God, Incorruptible and Immutable God, Unseen and Faithful God, Marvellous and Praise-worthy God, Honourable and Mighty God, the Highest and Magnificent God, Living and True God, Wise and Powerful God, Holy and Exemplary God, Great and Good God, Terrible and Peaceful God, Beautiful and Correct God, Pure and Benign God, Blessed and Just God, Pious and Holy, not in one singularity of person but in One Trinity of Substance. Thee we believe, Thee we bless; Thee we adore, and we praise Thy Name unto eternity and unto ages of ages: Thou through Whom is the Salvation of the world, through Whom is the Life of men, through Whom is the resurrection of the dead.

A Proper Preface may here be said

Through Whom, unto Thy Majesty, the Angels give praise, the Dominations Worship, the Powers of the Heavens tremble, and the heavenly Virtues and the Blessed Seraphim together with exaltation celebrate. With Whom, we beseech Thee bid our voices also be admitted, with suppliant confession saying:

SanctusHoly, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Glory be to Thee O Lord most High. +Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest.

Canon of the Mass

Most merciful Father, we humbly pray thee through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, and we ask He kisses the Altar and, with both hands joined before his breast, says: that thou accept and bless He signs thrice over the Host and Chalice together, saying: These + gifts, these + presents, these + holy and unspoiled sacrifices. With extended hands he proceeds: We offer them unto thee, first, for thy holy Catholic Church: that thou vouchsafe to keep it in peace, to guard, unite, and govern it throughout the whole world: together with thy servant Patriarch N, Our bishop N … and our Synod of Bishops and all the faithful guardians of the Orthodox, catholic and apostolic faith.

Commemoration of the Living

Remember, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids N. and N. He joins his hands and prays awhile for those for whom he intends to pray: then with extended hands proceeds: and all who here around us stand, whose faith is known unto thee and their steadfastness manifest, on whose behalf we offer unto thee: or who themselves offer unto thee this sacrifice of praise, for themselves, and for all who are theirs; for the redemption of their souls, for hope of their salvation and safety; and who offer their prayers unto thee, the eternal God, the living and the true.

United in one communion, we venerate the memory, first, of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ: and thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Jude, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary Magdalene, Patrick, Brigid, Columba, David, Tugdual (…. Any favourite, patronal or local saints …….) : . …... : and of all thy Saints; grant that by their merits and prayers we may in all things be defended with the help of thy protection. He joins his hands. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

We beseech thee then, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation from us thy servants, and from thy whole family: order our days in thy peace, and bid us to be delivered from eternal damnation, and to be numbered in the fold of thine elect. He joins his hands. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Vouchsafe, O God, we beseech thee, in all things He signs thrice over the Oblations, to make this oblation bles+sed, appro+ved and ac+cepted, a perfect and worthy offering: He signs once over the Host. that it may become for us the Bo+dy and once over the Chalice and Blo+od of thy dearly beloved Son, He joins his hands, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Epiclesis & Words of Institution (Holding his hands spread out over the Oblations, he says):

Holy Father, Almighty and eternal God send forth your Holy Spirit like the holy dew upon these gifts that they may become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

who the day before he suffered, He takes the Host, took bread into his holy and venerable hands, He lifts up his eyes to heaven, and with eyes lifted up to heaven unto thee, God, his almighty Father, He bows his head, giving thanks to thee, He signs over the Host, He bles+sed, brake and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, and eat ye all of this.

For this is my Body

The bell is rung thrice for the elevation of the host.

Likewise after supper, He takes the Chalice in both hands, taking also this goodly chalice into His holy and venerable hands, again He bows his head, giving thanks to Thee, Holding the Chalice in his left hand, he signs over it with his right, He bles+sed and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and drink ye all of it.

For this is the Chalice of my Blood,

of the new and eternal testament: the mystery of faith: which shall be shed for you and for many for the remission of sins. As oft as ye shall do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of me.

The bell is rung thrice for the elevation of the chalice.

Vouchsafe to look upon them with a merciful and pleasant countenance: and to accept them, even as thou didst vouchsafe to accept the gifts of thy servant Abel the Righteous, and the sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham: and the holy sacrifice, the immaculate victim, which thy high priest Melchisedech offered unto thee.

We humbly beseech thee, almighty God: command these offerings to be brought by the hands of thy holy Angel to thine altar on high, in sight of thy divine majesty: that all we He kisses the Altar, who at this partaking of the altar shall receive the most sacred He joins his hands and signs once over the Host, and once over the Chalice, Bo+dy and Blo+od of thy Son, He signs himself, saying: may be fulfilled with all heavenly benediction and grace. He joins his hands. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Commemoration for the Departed

Remember also, O Lord, thy servants N. and N., who have gone before us sealed with the seal of faith, and who sleep the sleep of peace. He joins his hands and prays awhile for those departed for whom he intends to pray, then with extended hands proceeds: To them, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, we beseech thee to grant the abode of refreshing, of light, and of peace. He joins his hands, and bows his head, saying: Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

He strikes his breast with his right hand, saying in a slightly louder voice:

To us sinners also, With hands extended as before, he proceeds secretly: thy servants, who hope in the multitude of thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Our Blessed Lady Mary, thy holy Apostles and Martyrs and with all

thy saints: within whose fellowship, we beseech Thee, admit us, not weighing our merit, but granting us forgiveness. He joins his hands. Through Christ our Lord.

Through whom, O Lord, thou dost ever create all these good things, He signs thrice over the Host and Chalice together, saying: dost sanc+tify, quick+en, ble+ss, and bestow them upon us.

Through + him, and with + him, and in + him, He signs twice with the Host itself between himself and the Chalice, saying: God the Father + almighty, in the unity of the Holy + Ghost, Elevating the Chalice a little with the Host, he says: all honor and glory are thine. Throughout all ages, world without end. R. Amen.

The priest turns to the people with the chalice and host forming a cross with his arms and prays: Holy things for holy people, One is holy, One is the Lord, Jesus Christ to the glory of God the Father, now and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Taught by Divine instruction, and shaped by Divine institution, we dare to say: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us, O Lord, we beseech thee, from all evils, past, present, and to come: and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and with Patrick, and all the Saints, He signs himself with the Paten from forehead to breast, favourably grant peace in our days: He kisses the Paten, that by the help of thine availing mercy we may ever both be free from sin and safe from all distress.

The Fraction of the Host

They have known the Lord – Alleluia -In the fraction of the bread - Alleluia.The Bread which we break is the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Alleluia - The Chalice which we bless - Alleluia - is the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ - Alleluia - in remission of our sins - Alleluia.Let Thy mercy be upon us - Alleluia -even as we have hoped in Thee - Alleluia.They have known the Lord. - Alleluia.

We believe, O Lord. We believe we have been redeemed in this He breaks the host in the customary manner Fraction of the Body, and the pouring forth of the Blood, and we shall rely on the consumption of this sacrifice for fortification: that which we now hold in hope, may we enjoy in truth by heavenly fruition, through Our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit throughout all ages of ages. Amen.With the particle itself he signs thrice over the Chalice saying:

V. The peace + of the Lord be + always with + you.

R. And with thy spirit.

He puts the particle into the Chalice, saying secretly:

May this mingling and hallowing of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ avail us who receive it unto everlasting life. Amen.

The Pax is shared

Agnus Dei

All. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy upon us.O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy upon us.O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: Grant us thy peace.

P. Behold the Lamb of God; behold him that takest away the sins of the world.All. Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed.

The celebrant makes his communion after which the Communion Antiphon from the Missal may be said

Come, ye holy ones, receive the body of Christ, drinking the holy blood by which you are redeemed.The Sacrament is administered with these words:May the Body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to thee unto life eternal. Amen.The caim is made around the head of each communicant with the chalice.

Communion HymnLet all mortal flesh keep silence,And with fear and trembling stand;Ponder nothing earthly minded,For with blessing in His hand,Christ our God to earth descendeth,Our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,As of old on earth He stood,Lord of lords, in human vesture,In the body and the blood;He will give to all the faithfulHis own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heavenSpreads its vanguard on the way,As the Light of light descendethFrom the realms of endless day,

That the powers of hell may vanishAs the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six wingèd seraph,Cherubim with sleepless eye,Veil their faces to the presence,As with ceaseless voice they cry:Alleluia, AlleluiaAlleluia, Lord Most High!

Post communion prayer from the Missal may be said by the celebrant or the following collect may also be said, by all

We give Thee thanks, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God, who hast satisfied us by the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Thy Son, and we humbly apply for Thy mercy: that this Thy Sacrament, O Lord, may not be unto our condemnation unto punishment: but may it be unto intercession of Salvation unto forgiveness; may it be unto the washing away of wickedness; may it be unto strengthening of the weak; a mainstay against the dangers of the world, may this communion purge us of all guilt, and may it bestow the heavenly joy of being partners, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy spirit throughout all ages of Ages Amen.

The Lord be with you;And with thy spirit.

The Priest may say this or a different blessing: The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon Thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace.

You are marked with the Sign of the + Cross of Christ. Peace be with you unto life eternal. Amen.

Ancient Irish Litany of Our LadyGreat Mary,Greatest of Marys,Greatest of Women.Mother of Eternal Glory,Mother of the Golden Light,Honour of the Sky,Temple of the Divinity,Fountain of the Gardens,Serene as the Moon,Bright as the Sun,Garden enclosed,Temple of the Living God,Light of Nazareth,Beauty of the WorldQueen of Life,Ladder of Heaven,

Mother of God.

Notes: This Liturgy of St Patrick follows closely the Lorrha (“Stowe”) Missal. The rubrics have been simplified in places (principally the Preparation & Offertory) in conformity with the Liturgy of St Gregory (the ancient liturgy of the Western church) and a number of extraneous prayers have been omitted. The alternative Entrance Rites and the Litany of the Trinity have been imported (and the language archaised) from “A Celtic Eucharist” compiled by Fr Brendan O'Malley, itself a modified “Lorrha-Stowe” rite. This liturgy is authorised for the use of the Holy Cross Benedictines of Adoration.

9th March 2013 – Feast of St Constantine of Cornwall.