24 March 2025

Soon after arriving in Ireland, Patrick converted a local chief called Dichu. He gave him a barn at Saul in Co. Down. Patrick established his first church there. Before long, he made his way to Tara, Co. Meath, which was the seat of the High King of Ireland.

Arriving on the eve of Easter, he lit a Paschal Fire on the nearby hill of Slane. At this time of year, it was a pagan custom to put out all the fires before a new one was lit at Tara. The Druids warned the High King that if he didn’t extinguish the fire on Slane, it would burn forever.

Patrick was summoned to Tara. On the way, he and his followers chanted his famous ‘Lorica’ or ‘Breastplate’. It is essentially a hymn of protection in which the singer enfolds himself in the power and presence of God:

I bind unto myself today

The 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.

We call this hymn, ‘St. Patrick’s Breastplate’ and sing it in the beautiful version written by Cecil Frances Alexander who was the wife of an Irish bishop. Others call it ‘The Deer’s Cry’. For when Patrick and his followers descended Slane on their way to Tara, the Druids mistook them for deer!

Although the High King remained a pagan, he was deeply impressed with Patrick. So much so that he was allowed to minister and evangelise throughout his kingdom. And he did. Three hundred churches were established in this pluralist kingdom!