NATIONAL FAMINE COMMEMORATION
THE DELANEY FAMINE MONUMENT – ST STEPHEN’S GREEN, DUBLIN
SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2020
Fr Seamus Madigan, Head Chaplain to the Forces

In ainm an Athar agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh. Amen.
Do gach duine ata bailithe anseo inniu, go raibh sonas, slainte agus siochain linn.

A PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE

As we gather to remember the Great Famine, the darkest hour of our history; when so many of our ancestors starved; when others emigrated and when so many hearts were broken, we acknowledge today the pain of that great tragedy. We seek forgiveness for our silence in the face of past horrors, for compassion towards our soul and for a society of justice and equality for all.

God of mercy and compassion, this silent suffering in our history has been a kind of weeping wound and a wandering that keeps us questioning. Help us to not dismiss the difficult questions that dwell within; help us to be patient with all that is unresolved in our hearts and help us to trust that with You, the source of all Love and Wisdom, we will arrive, some day, into an answer.

As we remember those who died during the Great Irish Famine, we stand this day, shoulder to shoulder
with all who experience famine and poverty,
and with all who seek a better world, in our common home.

We recall the words of John O Donohue

You stand on the shore of new creation
To open your life to what is left undone;
Let your heart enjoy a different rhythm
When drawn to the wonder of other horizons.

Have the courage for a new approach to time;
Allow it to slow until you find freedom
To draw alongside the mystery you hold
And befriend your own beauty of soul.

With gratitude in our hearts for all Irish people both at home and abroad, help us to ease ourselves into a conversation with our history, so we may learn from our past and bravely work together for a future of abundance, vision and peace for all.

In memory of all who died
Solas na bhFlaitheas dár n-anamacha – May they Rest in Peace.
We offer these prayer in all the Holy Names of God. Amen.
Moladh go deo le Dia!