Happy Saint Patricks Day from the great city of Savannah. The festivities began this morning with a beautiful Mass at 8am at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Bishop Kevin Boland presided and Archbishop Edwin O’Brien of Baltimore was the homilist.
The homily was very appropriate for today’s celebration and for today’s society. After narrating the familiar story of the life of Saint Patrick, Archbishop O’Brien had us consider what Saint Patrick would think if he came back to today’s society. He made three brief yet poignant observations (explained and paraphrased in my own words):
1. Saint Patrick would be appalled at the widespread practice of abortion in society. He would take particular offense towards politicians in the United States that have Irish last names, descendants of the people he evangelized, who support it and use it for political gain.
2. Saint Patrick would be saddened by the current situation immigrants face in the United States.
3. Saint Patrick would be shocked by the sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the Church throughout the world, especially in his own beloved Ireland.
Archbishop O’Brien brought to light three major challenges that both the world and the Church face today. His words were pertinent and direct.
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