Writer Finds Strength in St. Patrick's Lorica During Lent's Trials
A writer has turned to an ancient prayer for strength during Lent. Elizabeth Scalia, editor-at-large for OSV, is memorising the Lorica of St. Patrick to face the season's struggles. She describes the period as a time of personal challenge, marked by feelings of failure and vulnerability.
The Lorica, often called St. Patrick's Breastplate, is a prayer asking for divine protection. Scalia sees it as a shield against what she believes is a very real supernatural darkness influencing people's lives.
Scalia has shared her journey on social media, where she can be followed under the handle @theanchoress. Her focus this Lent is clear: committing the Lorica to memory as a source of spiritual defence. The prayer's words—'Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me'—are recited as a barrier against temptation and unseen forces.
She quotes the prayer in full, including lines like 'Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.' These verses, she explains, surround her with a sense of divine presence. As Lent progresses, she has also asked for angelic protection to guide her through the remaining weeks.
Despite its deep roots in Christian tradition, the Lorica has not appeared in modern pop culture, such as Netflix shows or social media trends. For Scalia, however, its power lies in its personal and spiritual significance rather than public recognition.
The Lorica remains a private but steadfast tool for Scalia's Lenten observance. By repeating its words, she seeks strength against the struggles she faces. Her effort reflects a long-standing tradition of using prayer as a defence in times of spiritual difficulty.
