Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Saint Paddy's Day is always celebrated, at least in some way, here in our home. This year we sampled oatmeal pancakes (ok,they mostly got a "yuck" response) and took a break from our Lenten fast on sweets, and had some cookies in honor of Saint Patrick. Regardless of how we celebrate, we are always very busy on March 17th, with four Irish dancers in the family. This year the older three girls performed at a local St. Patrick's Day dinner, which is one of their favorite performances. The lighting was very poor, so I was only able to get a couple pictures after the show.

Bridget, Cousin Colleen (holding Erin), Moira and Eileen...




I bind unto myself today the strong name of the trinity,
by invocation of the same, the Three in One, the One in Three.

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

I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead,
his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to harken 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 of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the name, the 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 God of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord!
~ Breastplate of Saint Patrick