lorica

In the Christian monastic tradition, a lorica is an incantation recited for protection. In addition to being recited by monks, loricas could also be found inscribed on the shields or armorial trappings of a knight, who might recite them before going into battle.

Notable loricas include Rob tu mo bhoile, a Comdi cride, which in its English translation provides the text for the hymn Be Thou My Vision, the Lorica of Laidcenn and the Lorica of Saint Patrick, which begins

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation.

Here is the complete Lorica of St. Patrick:

I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity, by invocation of the the same, the Three in one and one in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever, by power of faith, Christ's incarnation; His baptism in Jordan river; His death on Cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spiced tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming at the day of Doom; I bind unto myself to-day.

I bind unto myself the power

of the great love of Cherubim;

the sweet "well done" in judgment hour; the service of the Seraphim, Confessor's faith, Apostles'word, The Patriarch's prayers, the prophets' scrolls, All good deeds done unto the Lord, and purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today the virtures of the star-lit heaven, the glorious sun's life-giving ray, the whiteness of the moon at even, the flashing of the lightning free, the whirling wind's tempestuous shocks, the stable earth, the deep salt sea around the old eternal rocks.

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.

Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile men that mar my course; or few or many, far or nigh, in every place, and in all hours, against their fierce hostility, I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan's spells and wiles, against false words of heresy, against the Knowledge that defiles, against the heart's idolatry, against the wizard's evil craft, against the death-wound and the burning, the choking wave, the poisoned shaft, protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in heart of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name, the strong name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, the Three in One, and the One in Three. Of whom all nature hath creation; Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

See also

• Detente bala, an image of the Holy Heart of Jesus used as an amulet by Carlist soldiers.

External links

• The Lorica of St. Patrick

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