On March 17, 2025, as dawn broke over Downpatrick, County Down, a group of Christians gathered around St. Patrick’s grave to honor his legacy through prayer. Inspired by the words of St. Patrick’s Confessions, in which he wrote, “I arose as many as 100 times at night to pray,” the faithful recited the Our Father 100 times, seeking peace and unity, according to event organizer Siobhán Brennan.
This annual prayer gathering, now in its third consecutive year, has drawn together friends and strangers alike. According to Brennan, “The offering of 100 Our Fathers formed the backbone of this prayer initiative, but the inclusion of Scripture, hymns, and the Lorica gave it a distinctive Celtic flavor.” The Lorica of St. Patrick, also known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate, was prayed in chorus between each set of ten Our Fathers.
“The words of the Lorica are ancient and St. Patrick’s own; they serve as a strong and powerful protection against evil, a protection which is greatly needed today,” Brennan said. She also reflected on the significance of gathering in community for prayer, referencing the Gospel of Matthew: “Jesus promises us in Matthew 18:20, ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.’ The Lord and his holy presence among this group of dedicated Christians is indeed palpable.”
As the faithful stood in the crisp Irish morning, their voices united in the Lord’s Prayer, the spiritual atmosphere was deeply moving. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow believers, in the darkness of a crisp, early Irish spring morning while reverently repeating the Lord’s Prayer in harmony with nature is a profoundly moving, spiritual experience,” Brennan shared.
Adding to the event’s significance, the prayer gathering traditionally opens with the hymn Light the Fire: St. Patrick’s Song by Irish singer Dana. The setting of the prayer service, held near Down Cathedral and overlooking St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, further connects participants to the saint’s enduring presence in Ireland.
According to Brennan, the prayer event has begun to inspire other groups worldwide. “We have been joined spiritually from other parts of Ireland and Albuquerque in New Mexico,” she said. “It is inspiring; our hearts are filled with new hope and the possibility that, someday soon, we will all be fully united in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
As the world faces ongoing struggles, this simple yet profound act of communal prayer continues to be a testament to the faith and unity St. Patrick championed. Organizers hope that more people across the globe will take part in this annual devotion, fostering a spirit of peace and Christian brotherhood in the saint’s name.
