St. Patrick’s day 2021. 🇮🇪

‘How Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord’. (Psalm 33:12)

Today we celebrate Feast Day of St. Patrick, Patron Saint of our island of Ireland. After many days of torrential rain, sun is shining, birds singing, calmness abounds like no other St. Patrick’s day thus far. This year no parade, no pubs, no music, no mayhem, no tomfoolery. The Corona virus has put a stop to our mighty gallop and how!

Instead, a deeper realisation of, and gratitude for, the myriad sacrifices you made, dear Saint Patrick, on our account. You passed on to our people the priceless gift of Faith. Because of your selflessness we were once hailed and lauded as ‘The Island of Saints and Scholars’, but that was long ago and far away. Sadly, nothing more now than a distant memory. 

Saint Patrick wished the Irish to have two phrases on their lips, Kyrie Ellison and Deo Gratias; Lord have Mercy and Thanks be to God. Between these two prayers will we find fullness of Life - trusting in the forgiveness of the One who loves us and eternally grateful for everything.

In this our day and time, the dust has settled. We are beginning to see clearer and further, scales falling from our eyes. Please intercede for our land, Dear Saint Patrick, our needs are many, we have forgotten about God. ‘You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you, you forgot the God who gave you birth’. (Deuteronomy 32:18). Forgetfulness of God leads to disaster, as we see all around us in this fair land.

Remind us of our mission: Go out to the whole world and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Each and every one of us is uniquely equipped for the assignment, all of us have much to offer. We may consider ourselves unlikely disciples but let us embrace the challenge, through the way we speak, the way we love and care for others. ‘Love makes bitter things sweet and heavy things light’. (St. Anthony of Padua).  

Bloom where we are planted. If not me, then who...

‘I must die to self, leave everything behind me, go into the market place and leaven the masses. See Christ in people, especially abused minority groups, homeless transients, the poor and unfortunate of all kinds’. (Catherine Doherty, Madonna House)

May the strength of God pilot us. May the power of God preserve us. 

May the wisdom of God instruct us.May the Hand of God protect us. May the way of God direct us, and may the shield of God defend us, now and evermore. Amen. (St. Patrick)