Prayers offered by Fr Séamus Madigan HCF
at Dublin Castle on 01 January 2016

Moladh go deo le Dia – Praise God forever!

On this day of commemoration, celebration and New Year’s resolutions, we thank you Lord, for all the people of Ireland, at home and abroad.

Merciful God:

In our commemoration, we remember all who died in 1916. We ask for your solace on those saddened by the tragedy of violence and death. We now gather in solemn remembrance of those who pushed back the horizons of our hopes.
Solas na bhFlaitheas dár n-anamnacha
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamnacha.

Gracious God:

In our celebration we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and this country we call home. As we raise our National Flag may it serve to remind us to; respect all traditions, embrace diversity as a gift and continue to work and hope for a peaceful world.

Creator God:

On this New Year’s Day, we pray with ‘high hopes’ of a bright future for all the children of Ireland. Help us Lord to understand that we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

Loving God:

May the lives we commemorate lost in 1916, the complexity of the period that followed and the hopes we now embrace in 2016, inspire us to cherish all of our citizens equally. Continue to touch our hearts Lord, to reach out especially to those in need with compassion, inclusion and engagement, with justice, love and peace.

May your merciful, gracious, creative and loving blessing continue to shine on all people. Help us to believe in ourselves, to face our fears with courage and to keep alive the generous Soul of Ireland and its People. Amen.

Glóir don Athair, agus don Mhac, agus don Spiorad Naomh. Amen.