I am Patrick, yes a sinner and indeed untaught; yet I am established here in Ireland where I profess myself bishop. I am certain in my heart that 'all that I am,' I have received from God. So I live among barbarous tribes, a stranger and exile for the love of God.

I am not ignorant of what is said of my Lord in the Psalm: "You destroy those who speak a lie." And again: "A lying mouth deals death to the soul." And likewise the Lord says in the Gospel: "On the day of judgment men shall render account for every idle word they utter."

Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.

I am certain in my heart that all that I am, I have received from God.

For after chastisement from God, and recognizing him, our way to repay him is to exalt him and confess his wonders before every nation under heaven.

So I live among barbarous tribes, a stranger and exile for the love of God.

If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God.