‘The emigrant ships have turned around’ 

The story of St Patrick, the history of Christianity in Ireland and the wider history of the Irish people are all dotted with stories of travel.

Today Irish people across the globe will unfurl the flags that they stowed away last year, They are preparing to celebrate the story of the Irish nation in almost every city in the world. As we unite with them in spirit and prayer we are reminded of the many journeys which have begun in the villages, towns and cities of our island and which have ended in far-flung places.

Today, we remember with gratitude the generosity of those people, religious and lay, who have done so much to proclaim the kingdom of God in their adopted new country. In recent decades we are reminded of the groundbreaking work of Irish aid agencies and development workers in the third world - all grounded and rooted in the same spirit and emotion that motivated St Patrick.

Recent prosperity in Ireland has turned the emigrant ships around and the recent prosperity has brought new challenges. Many people from different countries, cultures and religions have chosen to live in Ireland.. The journey now for the Irish is a journey of out-reach and friendship. Their new world is now at their door and on their streets.