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St. Patrick Parish

A parish in the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois

 Diocese of Rockford

Dixon Knights of Columbus

Mission Statement

We are committed through Eucharist and Sacred Scripture to be united as a Catholic community, loving one another as Christ loves us.

Breastplate of St. Patrick

Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me

Attributed to St. Patrick

The above section is from a hymn called Patrick's "Lorica" or Spiritual Breastplate and is contained in the ancient Book of Armagh from the early ninth century, along with Patrick's authentic "Confession." It is also known as "Deer's Cry."
In the hymn, Patrick extols God's strength, wisdom and protection as he prepares to confront and convert Loegaire, High King of Ireland