For today, Saint Patrick’s day, the Bishops of Ireland have issued the following message:
“We pray through the intercession of our national patron, St Patrick, for the faith and well-being of the people of Ireland. Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland. As Saint Patrick’s Day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics in Ireland, the best way to honour him is to attend Mass.
In 2014 we celebrate our national Saint’s day in the midst of an ongoing economic recession which has resulted in domestic heartbreak throughout Ireland for many individuals and families due to the pressure of unemployment and emigration. As the plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people who have struggled to live and integrate into new cultures, we encourage all the faithful to pray for migrants at home and abroad as many face challenges arising from displacement and poverty.
Guímíd beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ar mhuintir uile na hÉireann. Tá muid ag cuimhniú go h-áirithe ortha siúd uile atá anois ina ndeoraithe i bhfad ó bhaile. Go raibh creideamh Chríostaí Phádraig Naofa mar thaca agus mar shólás acu i gcónaí. Guímíd freisin, tré impí Phádraig naofa, ar son na ndaoine sin ar fad atá tagtha isteach sa tír seo le blianta beaga anuas ag iarraidh tearmann, dídean agus saol nua: go mba fial flathúil an fháilte a bheas le brath acu i gcónái inár measc. Féachfaidh muid chuige sin, mar chlann Dé agus muintir Naomh Pádraig!”
[We pray the blessings of the feast of Patrick on all the people of Ireland. We think especially of all our people who are exiles far from home: may the Christian faith of Patrick be their support and comfort always. We pray also through the intercession of Saint Patrick, for the many people who have come into this country in recent years seeking shelter, asylum and a new life: may the welcome amongst us they receive be generous; let us see to that, as people of God and of Saint Patrick.]
ENDS
