As Cardinal Sean O’Malley remains in Rome for Pope Francis’ Tuesday inauguration, Boston’s Catholic leader delivered a special St. Patrick’s Day blessing for those back home, emphasizing the importance of the local patron saint.
“St. Patrick’s Day in Boston is a time to celebrate our pride and heritage,” O’Malley said in his audio message, which was taped in Rome. “I wish I could be with you all for the annual celebration of the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Boston and of all Ireland… Through the miracle of modern technology, I am able to speak to you as your bishop and let you know how happy I am to call Boston my hometown.”
O’Malley outlined St. Patrick’s accomplishments, comparing his altruistic personality to the newly-named Pope Francis.
“[Pope Francis’] love for the poor and his missionary zeal are two of his greatest attributes,” O’Malley said. “St. Patrick was also a great lover of the poor… he was a man who remained strong in his faith even in the midst of hard times and adversity. As a slave he never lost hope, and as a bishop, when he was rejected because of his preaching of the gospel, he never gave up.”
