The Princess and I went to 8 o’clock mass this morning. We were the youngest people in the congregation by some distance. We arrived late (just as the priest was starting into his sermon) and scurried to a pew. The priest gave a rousing sermon about evangelising in our daily lives. He pointed out crossly that the church was nearly empty on St. Patrick’s Day. Apparently 83% of the population of Dublin is unchurched (what I previously referred to as “lapsed catholic”) and this represents a rich seam which we, the faithful must mine. Every time we go to a restaurant, coffee or to the pub we should try to work the conversation round to whether our companion has found Jesus. Personally, I can’t help feeling that this is a recipe for driving away friends rather than converting them, but maybe I am just craven. The Princess asked me nervously whether she was too young to evangelicise and I reassured her that she was. Though doubtless the priest would be furious, if he knew. It was all fire and brimstone round our way. We finished up with “Hail Glorious Saint Patrick” which he commented, surely everyone must know. Only the first verse, it turned out.
There was very little real shamrock in evidence today, apparently the dreadful winter has been tough on shamrocks and the best of it was exported to foreign dignataries. I could extend this into some kind of metaphor but I will spare you.
We all then went to the parade. I had considerable misgivings about this but it all passed off very well with all five of us getting a view. Have some pictures, why don’t you?
Hope you passed a happy Saint Patrick’s Day too.
Impressed by your view – we’ve only ever managed to see the tops of things, with a foreground of backs, so ew stayed at home and Ken brewed a St Patrick’s Day stout.
A brave man to be cross about the church being empty considering all the talk this week! Did you hear the Monsignor (Doody) I think on Matt Cooper on Monday night speaking with Colm O’Gorman? I actually couldn’t believe my ears. Speaking about not having an legal obligation “go blabbing” to the guards. What about a moral obligation…
We were at the parade in Cork with our 22 month old. First time to see it in about 25 years. My memories were of standing on the Mall shivering waiting for the vintage car (singular) and the Mandy’s float (with the big bear) to pass while enduring a lot of majorettes. Much more impressive now! Real floats and great music! We’ll be back next year too.
A couple of pals from college and myself went over years ago for St Patrick’s Day. Admittedly as a drinking holiday. We watched the parade on a TV in a Bar. The actual parade was going on in the street right outside the bar, but we had a better view inside and it was easier to get drinks.
I know Dot, I am very proud though my shoulders are very sore today from having had a four year old on them for 90 minutes yesterday.
Yeah, I know, I kind of thought so too, M. Ah, the Cork parades with all those frozen majorettes – and how about the marching bands? It takes me back.
cha0tic, I think that’s called CHEATING – you’re not allowed to be comfortable.