"The Deer's Cry", or St. Patrick's Breastplate, sung by Angelina, (EWTN)

Saint Patrick

More recent memory serves to provide the tales for which Slane is most famous. It is said that in the Fifth century A.D. Saint Patrick came to the Hill of Slane early in his attempt to convert pagan Ireland to the light of christianity. On the eve of the Christian feast of Easter, 433 A.D. which appropriately coincides with the pagan feast of Beltane and the spring equinox, St. Patrick lit a bonfire upon the Hill of Slane. The law in force at the time was no fire should lit in the in the vicinity when a great festival fire blazed at the Royal seat of power on the visibly nearby Hill of Tara.

The King rode off in a war chariot with his retinue to arrest the mystery rebel. As the kings horses thundered up the Hill Patrick calmed his few disciples and immediately set to eloquence. Patrick's gift of eloquence went to high gear and somehow--some say through an earthquake, others by holding up a shamrock--he convinced the King of his earnest intent and belief in the power of the Holy Trinity. It was a power that Patrick thought would be useful to the King who could only wish that his own soldiers could wield the kind of bravery through deep conviction that Patrick displayed. The King took Patrick and his disciples prisoner and they were marched by to the Hill of Tara, chanting prayers. By morning light, Patrick and his men were spared and allowed to preach Christianity to the pagan army.

On October 20, 2009, Angelina and her family lost a dear friend who introduced this song to Angelina when she was just 12 years of age. Monsignor Andrew L. Murray, of the Biloxi Diocese handed Angelina the CD and asked her to listen to the song. "I think you will like it and you could sing it", he said. Angelina loved the song and went on to sing it for very special occasions for Father. One occasion was at the Carlow Mass held each year to celebrate the Irish priest that came to Mississippi from Carlow Seminary in Ireland. Angelina had the opportunity to go to Ireland and film the video. Father Murray lost his battle with COPD, a long and hard fight he gave. He will always be remembered and cherished in the Davis' hearts. May God hold you in the palm of His Hand Father.

From the Wake Up Call and Songs of the Faithful CD's. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to the Hill of Slane in County Meath to film this beautiful song. Also, I went over to the very famous Grafton Street in Dublin. This video was shot in one day and my thanks go out to my director Manuel DeTeffe of Rome for his creativity. Arrangement by Shaun Davey, mechanical and synch license obtained thru HFA.