Uplifting to see Irish welcoming Ukrainian refugees, says Bishop Dempsey

It is uplifting to see many Irish people opening “the doors of their hearts and homes” to refugees from the Russia-Ukraine war, Bishop Paul Dempsey said in his St Patrick’s day message.

The chairman of the bishops’ council for emigrants compared St Patrick’s experience to the plight of the Ukrainian refugees, as both were forced to leave their homelands.

“As a young man he was torn away from his family to live an isolated, lonely life in Ireland,” Bishop Dempsey said.

“In recent weeks we have seen the heart-breaking scenes of families being forced apart because of the war in Ukraine.

“So many have had to leave their homeland and their loved ones to seek safety from the ravages of terrible conflict.”

Bishop Dempsey praised the resilience and resistance of the Ukrainian people, adding that it “has been uplifting to see how so many Irish people have pledged support and are willing to open the doors of their hearts and their homes to those who are seeking refuge. We remember them, we support them, we pray for them”.

The bishop of Achonry also commended the work of individuals and organisations working to support Irish people overseas.

Many of Irish emigrants are now in advancing age and the recent Covid crisis has left them “isolated and alone”, Bishop Dempsey said.

“Through the Irish bishops’ council for emigrants, the work of serving the needs of Irish emigrants around the world continues,” he continued.

He highlighted the “generous support” given through the Annual Emigrant Collection, saying such support includes provisions of food banks to undocumented Irish in the US, as well as teaching Irish seniors in London how to stay connected during lockdown.

“The generosity and prayerful support of the Irish at home is much appreciated and makes a big difference to people’s lives,” Dr Dempsey said.

The bishop reflected on the “new challenges” facing the faith community as the Church engages with the synodal process, saying they mirror the challenges faced by St Patrick in his mission.

“Can we truly open ourselves to the synodal approach of letting go of hierarchical structures to walk together along the path Christ is calling us,” Bishop Dempsey asked in his address.

He concluded his address, saying: “If we listen to Patrick we can hear a person who has much to say to us today – especially concerning the reality of how we engage with the various challenges of the contemporary world.”