The practice became known as having "the Stations" at your house. Even after the Penal Laws were lifted, this tradition of blessing a home by having a priest say Mass, continued especially in rural areas. In the late 17th century and through most of the 18th century, it was forbidden for Catholic priests to say Mass in public in Ireland.Īs a result, Irish people often invited a priest to celebrate Mass in secret in their home. There is an old Irish tradition of having Mass said in a home that dates back to the time of the Penal Laws. Individuals from 300 Christian churches and organisations located in every county on the island submitted self-recordings of vocals and instruments which have been compiled by our creative team to produce this music video – we hope you receive a blessing as you watch it.Dunmore East, County Waterford A Little History of Irish House Blessings:
It reminds us of the One to whom we should look in this time of pandemic, whose presence is our light, the source of our wisdom, in whom we find our treasure and where we find victory. “Be Thou My Vision” is just such a hymn written over 1000 years ago. So we chose a song that would resonate across the island, with every denomination and cultural grouping, one that could be used as a platform to sing a Blessing over our land, all our key-workers and those they are caring for. We wanted to honour that inspiration, whilst at the same time, honouring the unique history and culture of our island. THE IRISH BLESSING The Irish Blessing (Beannacht uile-Éireann) is a project inspired by the many international recordings of “The Blessing” (by Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship) which have been made during this time of pandemic. Christ with me,Ĭhrist in the heart of every man who thinks of me,Ĭhrist in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,Ĭhrist in every ear that hears me. So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
I arise today, throughĪll these powers between me and those evils,Īgainst spells of witches and smiths and wizards,Īgainst every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, Through the strength of the love of cherubim, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension, Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, Through the strength of Christ’s birth with His baptism, Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, (The term breastplate refers to a piece of armor worn in battle.) I arise today for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from paganism to Christianity. Patrick’s Breastplate is a popular prayer attributed to one of Ireland’s most beloved patron saints. Music (c) Ateliers et Presses de Taize, France. Christ with me (prayer attributed to St Patrick) Sung by Palestrina Choir members Pierce Cullen, Síofra Kildee Doolan, with Damian McNeice. ST PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE Click below to hear a Taize chant version of St Patrick’s breastplate.
ST PATRICK’S DAY RESOURCES FOR HOME AND PARISH (from the Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre) Click on the image below for the full PDF version Prayers of the Faithful (Irish and English) Click on the images below for the full PDF version Mass (Irish) Click on the image below for the full PDF version LITURGICAL TEXTS IN IRISH (from the Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre) Lá Fhéile Pádraig / St Patrick’s Day Resources