HYMN TO SAINT PATRICK
[Tune: Derry Air / "Danny Boy"]
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(1)
On this bright day / We praise you, good St. Patrick
A man of God / Our patron for so long
You brought the faith / That has so well sustained us
And in the face of hardship / Ever kept us strong

And in your hand,  / You hold the blessed Shamrock:
Three leaves to teach / The triune mystery
Down through the years / Your lesson still inspires us:
And by your teaching and example / We have been set free


(2)
And in our time / Perhaps now more than ever
We ask your help / Beloved bishop still
Your constant faith / And trust in God ne'er wavering
Burn bright as Easter fire / On Tara's distant hill

We prayed for peace / Throughout your land of Erin
We asked your help / That ancient wounds be healed
And now we see / A new day's dawn is brightening
Through peace you helped to gain / God's mercy is revealed!


(3)
Stand with them now,  / Oh blessed friend and pastor
As they begin / To build their land anew
And we who add / Our prayers and good intentions
Throughout the world -  / We pray you bless us too

For everywhere / We fight the pagan forces
The very same / You helped us once subdue
Be with us now,  / our intercessor always
And to the words of God's beloved son / We will stay true!


Words: Bill Black
© 1996 Sunphone Limited