Archbishop's message: To reduce St Patrick simply to a symbol of Irish history and heritage, without any reference to his Christian faith, distorted the truth and did not do him justice, the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Seán Brady, has said.
In his St Patrick's Day message, Archbishop Brady said that the occasion united Irish people all over the world.
"St Patrick has become at once a symbol of Irish history and of Irish heritage. But simply to reduce Patrick to a symbol of that kind, worthy as it may be, without any reference to his own Christian faith, distorts the truth and in no way does justice to the real stature of the man," he said.
Patrick was a migrant, not once but twice, to our land. Despite his rather scary first experience, amazingly Patrick did return.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ had brought Patrick back to Ireland, Archbishop Brady said. "I believe that any authentic celebration of St Patrick's Day must somehow remember and celebrate that fact."
Referring to Intercultural Week, which is being celebrated next week, Archbishop Brady said it would focus on encouraging a greater involvement and a greater sense of belonging for people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
The civil law laid down the basic standards, but something more was needed to build a society which was truly inclusive, a society which was welcoming and respectful of people of different cultures, languages and traditions, he said.
"I would venture to suggest that what is really needed is the proclamation and the living of the truth of Christ, a truth brought by Patrick to our land, the truth of Christ who educates consciences and teaches the authentic dignity of every human person."