“The civil law establishes essential principles, but to construct a society that is really inclusive, welcoming and respectful of people of different cultures, languages and traditions, something more is needed”, declares the Archbishop of Armagh Seán Brady, in his message for the feast of St. Patrick, patron of Ireland, celebrated on 17 March. “In the days ahead – says the archbishop in his message – we will celebrate the Intercultural Week promoted by the Northern Ireland Commission for Equality together with the National Advisory Committee on racism and interculturalism”. The initiative “is aimed at encouraging greater involvement and a greater sense of belonging in people from ethnic minorities”. “What’s really needed – insists Brady – is the proclamation and living witness of the truth of Christ, a truth brought into our country by St. Patrick”, because “only the truth of Christ can educate consciences and promote the real dignity of the human person”. The feast of St. Patrick – declares the archbishop – unites Irish people throughout the world, because he is the symbol of our history and heritage”. “Twice a migrant in our land – concludes Brady -, after his first timorous attempt, Patrick surprisingly returned there a second time”. And it was just this man, who called himself a “rough and ignorant refugee”, “who was mysteriously chosen by the providence of God”.
