Elizabeth Scalia on St. Patrick's Breastplate and Mid-Lent Terrors

"Well, here we are in mid-March and mid-Lent and once again I am renewing my annual quest to memorize the Lorica of St. Patrick, in its fullness.

"The effort is not confined to the season; in fits and starts I work at it during the year, but the task is always re-embraced in these dreary days when the weather goes fickle, and spring's arrival seems like a trickster's promise. Easter looks so far off, right now, because our Lenten practices -- begun with such a sense of adventure and optimism -- have begun to feel like a muddy slog through the hell of ourselves, full of faceplants and failures.

"It happens to all of us, and good writers and preachers remind us that failure is the whole point of Lent; its value comes in realizing that we are powerless to advance spiritually under our own steam. . . ."

In a recent commentary, writer Elizabeth Scalia reflected on the relationship between St. Patrick's Breastplate, Lent, and the battle between light and dark continuing around us.

To access Ms. Scalia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Elizabeth Scalia: St. Patrick's Breastplate and the terrors of mid-Lent (19 MAR 26)