In the midst of our Lenten observance we celebrate this week two feasts of saints under whose patronage we grow spiritually. On March 17th we recall St. Patrick. His life is much more significant than the intemperate moments participated in by those who have little knowledge of his life and little care for what he represents. As a young man he lived a comfortable life before being kidnapped by Irish Brigands. Needless to say, his existence was most uncomfortable. He was surrounded by people he did not understand and whose customs he found strange. Their druid ways, honoring nature, telling tales, and utilizing incantations to woo a partner or to produce a good harvest conflicted with his faith in the Crucified One. He patiently bore everything for the glory of God and his manner gave powerful witness to his captors. Though he sought to escape their control, he still bore them great affection and thought that he would return under different circumstances. He finally was able to slip away and return to his native land. He began his studies for the priesthood and with missionary zeal set off for the encampments of the Irish. Like Christ, he utilized what his listeners knew and he reinterpreted them in a manner that they came to realize the doctrines of Holy Mother Church in their lives. Rome recognized his evangelical skills and called him to the episcopacy. Throughout his ministry he maintained a life of discipline of prayer and fasting. At the time of his death the light of Christ was shining brightly in the minds and hearts of many clergy and laity. To this day many, including this writer, can trace their religious life back to this fifth century figure. The centuries have seen thousands of young people leaving Ireland to teach the truth who is Jesus to every culture including this continent and especially our Archdiocese where the first Bishop of Armagh serves as our patron and serves as a model of wisdom and strength. If there is any concern we might have on this joyful feast for a land from which many of our parents came, it is the dearth of priestly and religious vocations. Yes, the community which survived centuries of persecution is now threatened by prosperity. The Archdiocese of Tuam will not see another ordination for seven years. Only Maynooth Seminary remains open with eight ordinations for the whole nation for the year. Where once Mass attendance was 98%, last year it was 35%. As in our own country we need to see in Ireland a renewal of faith in which the Gospel will once again be the beacon of hope for all who desire true joy.
On March 19 we remember St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, guardian of Jesus. Though we might know little of this man, there are certain suppositions we can make from the Scripture texts we read in the Gospels. When we first meet Joseph he is seeking a way to divorce his betrothed without publicly denouncing her. We see a man of integrity. We see a man who truly loves Mary. We see a man of compassion who does not wish to seek revenge for an offense against his reputation. Joseph receives a message from an angel telling him of God's plan. He receives the same with faith and obedience. Such an action we can easily ascertain is performed by one steeped in Torah. Both now and later he displays an openness to God's will. His example is a challenge to us. We all often excuse ourselves from following the promptings of the Holy Spirit because it is inconvenient or might cost us emotionally or financially. After the birth of Jesus a divine warning comes to Joseph and he flees Herod's venom and rescues the family. He displays the wisdom and generosity we see in so many other men in our society who become fathers though not biologically connected with their children. They realize that their parenting depends more on their religious, emotional, and moral commitment to those who have been given to them. When one even visits Nazareth today it can be easily established that construction jobs are minimal, insufficient to supply the basics for a family no matter how small. This probably necessitated Joseph leaving his town for weeks on end and going to various Roman encampments. He went perhaps to Tiberias, Magdala, and Caesarea. What joy there was when he returned home! As an observant Jew he followed the legal prescriptions as he presented his son and brought him to Passover every year in Jerusalem. When the sages in the temple found Jesus to be filled with knowledge of the Law and the Prophets, it could be seen the influence that Joseph had. Like his contemporaries he shared not only his trade but his spiritual journey with Jesus as they walked each Sabbath to synagogue. When he passed beyond this world Joseph left a family bereaved but prepared to fulfill God's will as he had done.
Let us pray that Patrick and Joseph will continue to watch over the Church. Let us celebrate their lives with joy and gratitude.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian
