Boondock Saints Prayer: Meaning and Biblical Origin

In this post I’m going to share with you the Boondock Saints prayer which was popularized in the 1999 movie of the same name.

In fact:

This prayer has become so popular that many people are getting tattoos of the text on their body.

Ready to learn the meaning of the Boodock Saints Prayer (aka the Family Prayer)?

Let’s get started.

Boondock Saints Prayer

And shepherds we shall be. For thee, my Lord, for thee. Power hath descended forth from thy hand that our feet may swiftly carry out thy command. So we shall flow a river forth to thee and teeming with souls shall it ever be. E nomini patri, et Fili e spiritu sancti.

Boondock Saints Prayer Meaning

The main characters of the film, Connor and Murphy McManus, receive a message from God instructing them to “destroy all that which is evil…so that which is good may flourish.”

Then, they embark upon a misson to follow God’s direction.

During a popular scene in the movie, the McManus brothers recite the “Family Prayer” together.

Roughly, the prayer means that they are shepherds of the people for God and their power was sent from his hand. They promise to follow his directions and send him the sinners. The prayer ends with a line in Latin which means: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Another phrase which appears frequently in the film is: “Veritas Aequitas.” This Latin phrase means “truth and justice.”

It can be found in Isaiah 59:14 of the Latin Vulgate bible:

"et conversum est retrorsum iudicium et iustitia longe stetit quia corruit in platea veritas et aequitas non potuit ingredi"

Isaiah 59:14 (KJV) translation:

"And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter."

Origin of the Boondock Saints Prayer

The prayer was written by the director of the movie, Troy Duffy. Although the prayer is not found in the bible, it may be based on scripture.

For example, Ezekiel 25:17 says:

"And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them."

This bible verse describes the punishment inflicted by God on sinners for their behavior. The Boondock Saints prayer reflects this sentiment as well.

The only line from the Boondock Saints prayer which appears in the bible is the last line which says: “E nomini patri, et Fili e spiritu sancti.”

This phrase is Latin and is frequently used by Catholic priests during prayer. It can be found in Matthew 28:19-20 of the Latin Vulgate Bible. It reads as follows:

euntes ergo docete omnes gentes baptizantes eos in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti docentes eos servare omnia quaecumque mandavi vobis et ecce ego vobiscum sum omnibus diebus usque ad consummationem saeculi

This line means “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” It can also be found in Matthew 28:19-20 of the King James bible (KJV):

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

And now I want to hear from you.

What does the Boondock Saints prayer mean to you?

Would you get it tattooed on your body?

Either way let me know by leaving a comment below right now.