We Irish found ourselves invoking some of the most basic values embodied in the story of St. Patrick – values such as solidarity, care, kindness and compassion.
That great spirit is one we must extend to all those with whom we share this planet. It is also a recognition of the shared humanity by which we are bound together and which is so essential to the crafting of an ethical world. A dark shadow has now been cast across our world as we witness the unfolding events in Ukraine. We saw, in villages, towns and suburbs across the country, people coming together to help each other. St. Patrick came to Irish shores as an outsider, an exile, a migrant. What a failure on vaccines the world has suffered. This is a matter far from finished for so many of our citizens. Our diaspora and their families in Ireland were called to make difficult painful sacrifices. During that time of the Pandemic at its worst we learned so much about the cost of the decisions made and ethics on which true social solidarity must be built. Wherever they may be, Irish people gather to celebrate the rich culture and heritage that speaks so profoundly of a shared past. We witnessed the power of an appeal for supportive, collective action in reducing public health risks. These are values that the migrant Patrick could see as serving all humanity.