St. Patricks prayers for Ireland and the King daughters Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 From: "Kathie Walters"

Patrick and his companions arrived in the early morning at Tulsk, in the county of Roscommon. As they sat down near the fountain known as Clibach they were approached by the two daughters of King Leogaire, who were intending to bathe in the fountain. Seeing the young clerics with their books in front of them, the young women wondered at the strange sight so early in the morning.

The two women, Eithne and Feidelm, inquired of Patrick as to what race he was from and where he had come presently come from. "Are you some kind of gods?" asked Eithne. "It is better for you to ask about our God than to inquire as to our race," said Patrick. "Where is God to be found, is He under the earth? or in the streams? Or in the hills and valleys? asked Eithne. "Is He beautiful and to be loved? How is He to be found?" she continued.

Patrick, full of the Holy Spirit replied, "Our God is the God over all, of heaven and earth: the God of the seas and rivers: the God of the sun and moon and stars: the God of the high mountains and lowly valleys; He quickens all things, He gives the light to the sun and moon, He created the waters in dry land, He places islands in the middle of the sea, and placed the stars in the heavens." Patrick went on tell of God's son - Jesus. The two sisters being of one heart cried out and said, "Our only desire to see Him face to face." Patrick baptized both women and loved Christ with all their hearts - for they had sought the true God for a long time.

Shortly after both sisters died. Two druids, Mael and Caplait entered into a great conflict with Patrick over this, as the youngest daughter was the foster-daughter of Caplait. Patrick preached the gospel to Caplait and he became a believer to the great anger of the other druid, Mael. "I will win him back to our gods and cause him to leave you," he said to Patrick. Patrick with great patience preached and reasoned with him until he also gave his heart to God.

Patrick continued to travel and preach to every town and village with many miracles and signs and wonders.

PATRICKS PRAYERS FOR IRELAND

Patrick went to a high mountain in the range of Mayo in order to seek God and to fast and pray. For 40 days he fasted with watching and prayers and travail. Toward the end of the fast, the mountain was surrounded by many demons in the form of large black birds, screaming and giving off a foul smell. Patrick continued singing Psalms and hymns to no avail. Finally Patrick threw his bell at the birds and commanded the to leave. They left and immediately he was surrounded by an angelic choir. Also the angel who was always Patricks companion, Victor, came and said, "Everything you select shall be yours, every land - both hills and valleys, glens and woods. Every petition shall be granted."

Patricks first petition was that every Irish man, woman and child would have opportunity to hear the Gospel and secondly, that barbarian invaders should not prevail against the Irish people. Victor commanded Patrick to get down from the mountain, but Patrick refused until every petition he asked was granted. Patrick continued to ask for many blessings for Ireland.