- Archbishop Martin: “We turn to Saint Patrick to intercede for all those who are suffering as a result of war and violence in our troubled world – and to give courage and determination to peacemakers”
Statement
At this time of war in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, bishops invite Irish parishioners, at home and abroad to pray in a particular way tomorrow, 17 March, Saint Patrick’s Day, for peace and for the safety of all migrants around the globe.
As we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year we remember our national patron as an advocate for peace and reconciliation. We encourage everyone to unite in prayer for world peace. Given the significance of Ireland’s national feast day, we also ask parishes to reach out to people from around the world who have come to live within our communities, and to extend greetings of prayerful support and solidarity at this time.
Tomorrow, at 11.00am, RTÉ television and radio will broadcast live the celebration of Mass for Saint Patrick’s Day from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. The chief celebrant will be the Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland.
In advance of tomorrow’s Mass, Archbishop Martin said, “As a boy, Saint Patrick experienced violence and displacement at the hands of traffickers. His loneliness and vulnerability on the hills of Ireland – where he was forced to work as a slave, far from home – brought him face to face with suffering. He found solace and courage in a new relationship with God, sensing that God was close to him in adversity. This experience shaped Patrick’s vocation and his sense of mission. Later in life, he would return to Ireland, the land of his captivity, to bring the Good News that God is with us, even in the midst of pain, trauma and isolation. We turn to Saint Patrick this year to intercede for all those who are suffering as a result of war and violence in our troubled world – and to give courage and determination to peacemakers”.
ENDS |