This is a favourite statue of mine of St. Patrick.  It is in the Catholic Church in Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland.  This statue appeals to me because of its enormous size and realistic face. I spent time reflecting in this Church and in front of the replica in the summers of 2012 and 2013.

As St. Patrick promised the Irish people he would never abandon them, I continue to ask for his intercession, not only for myself and my work, but, also, for Ireland and the Irish people, who continue to endure severe economic hardship and the fall-out from natural disasters.

Young people are leaving Ireland in droves and while they may find a living in another country, many, many hearts are broken when they must leave.  I remember to pray for them and their families as well.  I have met many Irish people in Edmonton who have had to leave home and it is difficult, though, they are resolute to work hard and return to Ireland.

Then, there is the issue of the deterioration of the Irish Catholic Church.  Once again, I pray for the aide and intercession of St. Patrick to lead the people to a rejuvenated relationship with Christ.

St. Patrick is indeed special!  He was a priest, a pastor, a bishop, and a mystic.  His primary legacy was that he was an intimate friend and disciple of Christ, who faithfully preached the Good News to those in Ireland, those hungry and thirsty for the living word of God.

 This 6^th century saint might well be doing the very same ministry today in Ireland and around the world.  There are still human beings who hunger and thirst for the living Word of God.  Perhaps, there is a lot of Patrick in Francis! I pray that there is a lot of Patrick in us all!

In the archives of this website, you can find, what I wrote about St. Patrick in 2013.

Have a Happy and Blessed St. Patrick’s Day!  Play some Irish music!  It does the soul well!

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