Sister Angela: “Praying before the icon helps to open our hearts and minds ever more to Christ”

• To mark the 150th anniversary of the dedication of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, a new icon of Saint Patrick (pictured) has been prayerfully and lovingly written by the Redemptoristine sisters of Drumcondra in Dublin – see video presentation below

This week marks the 150th anniversary of the dedication of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, and includes the unveiling of a new icon which has been written by Sister Angela of the Redemptoristine Community Drumcondra, Dublin.  Sister Angela explains her writing of the icon in the following way:

“Saint Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland, stands with his hand raised in the gesture of blessing.  He holds the Cathedral of Armagh cradled in his arm in a gesture of protection, symbolic of his vocation as special intercessor for the people of Ireland and the Archdiocese of Armagh.
The Shamrock, distinctive sign associated with Saint Patrick, recalls the divine life and the Union of the Trinity into which we are called to participate.
The lamb’s wool pallium, is a symbol of the service of authority – the yoke of Christ which is easy and its burden light.
Green is the colour of hope, newness of life.  Saint Patrick brings the light of Christ to a people who dwelt in darkness (Isaiah 9:2).  In iconography it often denotes where life begins.  New life begins in Christ.
Saint Brigid is clothed in her monastic veil and cloak with a red mantle, the colour of love and vitality and sacrifice.  She and Saint Malachy are pillars of faith and examples for those seeking to follow Christ.
Saint Malachy’s blue robe denotes the mystic life, and recalls the visions and miracles attested to him.”

Sister Angela continued, “In writing this icon, continuous prayer was offered for a renewal of faith in the hearts of the people of Ireland, that all our lives may be filled with the light of Christ.  Prayers of thanksgiving were also offered for all those who are ‘light bearers’ and ‘enlighteners’ in our lives and for those who have been missionaries to us in any way.  Praying before the icon helps to open our hearts and minds ever more to Christ, especially in deep gratitude for those who, like Saint Patrick, show us the way to Christ.”

The marking of the 150^th anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral will conclude this Sunday, 27 August 2023, with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, as the chief celebrant for a Mass of Thanksgiving in Saint Patrick’s, Armagh.  All are welcome.

ENDS