REGINA | 173
Jesukin
Lives my little cell within
What were wealth of cleric high
Al Jesu of the skies, who are next my heart through every night.
Jesu, more than angel aid,
Fostering not formed to fade
Nursed by me in desert wild
Jesu, Child of Judah's Maid.
Unto heaven's High King contest
Sing a chorus, maidens blest!
He is o'er us, though within
Jesukin is on our breast.
St. Ita has a strong following in Munster, especially in Waterford and Limerick, and many Irish girls are named after her. In the mid 1800s, Bishop Butler of Limerick obtained from Pope Pius IX a special office and Mass for her Feast Day, January 15. (Editor's Note: January 15 happens to be the birthday of the author of this article.)