Archbishop dedicates St Patrick's Day prayers to people suffering from war and violence 'in our troubled world'
Archbishop Eamon Martin has joined with bishops across the island in inviting parishioners to pray for the peace and safety of migrants and those trapped in war around the globe this St Patrick’s Day.
The bishops made the joint call to Irish parishioners, ‘at home and abroad’ while highlighting the human cost of the wars raging across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Archbishop Eamon Martin will be the chief celebrant at the celebration of Mass for Saint Patrick’s Day from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and the service will be televised and broadcast live at 11.00am on RTÉ television and radio.
In advance of the 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”.
The Irish bishops in a joint statement meanwhile said: "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.
“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.”