President Connolly points to St. Patrick’s journey as trafficking victim and migrant as 70m Irish prepare to celebrate feast day
President Catherine Connolly has spoken of how 70 million Irish people around the world will celebrate ‘our culture, heritage, identity and our beautiful language’ this St. Patrick’s Day.
"Whether we are Irish by birth or indeed by choice, today is an occasion when Irish communities around the world celebrate their shared love of all things Irish,” said the President in her inaugural St. Patrick’s Day message in the role.
President Connolly said it was a ‘testament to Ireland’s rich heritage and culture that St. Patrick’s Day has become such a vibrant and inclusive global celebration’.
"It is embraced by an Irish global family of over 70 million people, many of whom have found new homes abroad and built communities over many years. That sense of home resonates so strongly with all of us, and yet today it is denied to so many,” she remarked.
The President reflected on St. Patrick’s status as a trafficking victim and migrant and called for compassion for his counterparts fleeing adversity today.
"Patrick was trafficked across the Irish Sea from Britain as a young man in the 5th century only to return to Ireland as a missionary, giving voice and his life to fostering an awareness of the consequences of slavery.
"The story of Patrick’s life serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage of migrants, the invaluable contributions that they have made, and continue to make, to the countries they now call home, sometimes even in the face of great adversity.
"Patrick’s story speaks not only to the Ireland of the 5th century, but to the millions still subjected to trafficking, forced labour and displacement today.
"As we recall the life of Patrick, we invoke his spirit and acknowledge our shared responsibilities as global citizens. We stand in solidarity with those who find themselves in vulnerable and dangerous circumstances,” she said.
Patrick’s story also invites us to respond with hospitality and kindness to those suffering the consequences of war and displacement, she said.
"The normalisation of war can never be accepted. Now, more than ever, we must renew our commitment to peace and diplomacy in line with the principles of international law as set out in the United Nations Charter.
"As a neutral, independent country, a post-colonial society, and a people marked by famine and forced migration, we are uniquely placed to offer a valuable perspective on the challenges facing our world, not least war and displacement,” she said.
President Connolly invoked the peace process in Ireland as a lesson for the present day.
"We are a people who have travelled our own path to peace in dealing with bitter conflict and its legacy.
"We understand that peace is not merely the absence of war but also the presence of justice.
"A chairde, wherever you are celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, may I send you my warmest wishes for a day of festivities, and perhaps reflection too.
"As we celebrate our special day, let us look to the future with hope, determination, a renewed respect for our shared humanity, and use our voice to promote justice and peace in our world,” said the President.