Archbishop Martin: Saint Patrick's Day Message

Archbishop Eamon Martin

Source: Catholic Communications Office, Maynooth

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland writes: "Our country and our troubled world need us to be like Saint Patrick, strong and active witnesses of Peace, Faith, Hope and Love"

Saint Patrick tells us that he was only fifteen or sixteen years of age when he was trafficked into Ireland as a slave. Even though he had been raised in a Christian home and family, he describes himself as a poor sinner who had little knowledge of the true God.

But in the isolation and loneliness of his captivity in Ireland, Patrick turned to God in prayer, and he began to experience God's love and protection in a deeply personal way.

Before long, Patrick had the courage to share with others how much his faith in God meant to him. After six years in slavery, he escaped home to his family who wanted him never to leave them again. But God had other plans. One night, in a dream, he heard the 'voice of the Irish' calling him: 'Come back, holy youth, and walk among us once more.'

Patrick returned years later to Ireland as a missionary bishop. He concentrated his efforts on baptising and confirming thousands of people for Christ, and ordaining and consecrating others to help him spread the Good News.

For Patrick, baptism was not just a once-off event; it was the gateway to a personal journey of faith and friendship with God.

New research tells us that young adults in Ireland are becoming more curious and searching for faith. Many young people are struggling to find hope nowadays. They seek nourishment for their interior lives, their well-being and mental health. I met young people recently who spoke of the emptiness they are feeling in this fragile and troubled world, which on the one hand celebrates advances in technology and artificial intelligence, while at the same time it seems to be tearing itself apart through war and aggression and the killing and displacement of innocent civilians and families.

Our families and young people have to navigate a complex world where good and evil - like the wheat and the darnel in the Gospel story - exist and grow alongside one another. We cannot insulate ourselves from the world in some kind of 'cocoon' of faith. Our country and our troubled world need us to be like Saint Patrick, strong and active witnesses of Peace, Faith, Hope and Love.

As a boy, Saint Patrick had experienced violence and displacement at the hands of traffickers. His loneliness and vulnerability on the hills of Ireland 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 returned to Ireland to bring the Good News that God is with us, even in the midst of pain, trauma and isolation.

We turn to Saint Patrick, especially this year, to intercede for all those who are suffering from war and violence in our troubled world - and to give courage and determination to peacemakers.

Beanneachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh go leir. Agus go dtuga Naomh Pádraig aire daoibh, go dtreoraí sé sibh agus bhur gclanna; go dtuga sé a dhea-mhéin chun bhur muintire agus chun cairde uilig na hÉireann ar fuaid an domhain, inniu agus i gcónaí.