Parishes of Saggart, Rathcoole, Brittas & Newcastle

05/04/2026

Easter in Valencia

05/04/2026

22/03/2026

Holy Thursday 2nd April, Easter Sunday 5th April

17/03/2026

Saturday, 14 March 2026
St Patrick hears the voice of the Irish

Monument to St. Patrick, Westport
I thought I heard in my mind the voice of those who were beside the wood of Foclut, near the western sea, calling out "We beg you, holy boy, to come and walk again among us”. This touched my heart deeply."
"Rogamus te, sancte puer, ut venias et adhuc ambulas inter nos." (From St Patrick's Confession. Note 'Rogamus te' abbreviated to RGMS TE on monument panel)

Hearing this call was a turning point in the life-story of St Patrick as told in his Confession. Born in Britain, he had been taken captive by some Irishmen and brought to Ireland. Later he escaped back to Britain where he went for the priesthood and was eventually consecrated bishop (read his biography here). It was at this stage that visitors from Ireland came with a letter for him. In reading it, Bishop Patrick was moved by the appeal that it contained to come back again -- of his own free will and for a much friendlier welcome this time. The Westport scene depicts his landing in Ireland.

The Confession is contained in the Book of Armagh and is dated to the early 9th century. Like the Book of Kells, this Book has happily been digitized by Trinity College Dublin, allowing us to see the original text (here). Our extract is found on Folio 23v, c. three-quarters way down the second column -- in the reproduction below, lines 6-7. (The last line ends with amplius non potui legere, i.e. my heart was so touched that I could not read any more.) As can be seen, the superb ornamentation of the Gospels in the Book of Kells far outshines the more ordinary script found in the Book of Armagh.

TCD Book of Armagh, Folio 23v
As for the google digital script used here in the 21st century, the writer sees he is returning to a topic first dealt with ten years ago in 2016 (here), this time with a precious view of the original manuscript.

May our lives continue to unfold fruitfully for us all, especially when, like St Patrick, at a certain moment in our life's journey, we feel we hear a silent call to start down a road that seems to be opening up for us -- in the traditional phrase, 'our vocation'.

27/12/2025

Today is the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist. Saint John the Evangelist, Protector of the Blessed Mother, Ora Pro Nobis.

26/12/2025

Today is the Feast of St. Stephen, the Protomartyr of Christianity. One of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food to the poor. Whilst being stoned to death by the Sanhedrin, he invoked Christ, praying "Lord lay not this sin to their charge."
Ora pro nobis