I was just counting up the number of Irish Saints I have encountered, or known , or heard of in my life time and was surprised how many there are. They may not be ever raised to the Altars of the Church but I have no doubt they were saints. Sometimes they even had a widespread reputation of Holiness and a little Cult sprung up around them after their deaths. There are very modern saints , I mean people in my own lifetime. I have also met saints from other countries, although I'll not write of them here and now. I would love to hear of Irish Saints other people have met. It is a wonderful cheering topic in these grim times. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
My sister was at a talk given by Frances Hogan over the weekend and Frances spoke about a conversation she had with the Lord (as Frances Hogan does!). She asked him whether Ireland still held a special place with him despite how far we have fallen away and he told her that in his crown there is a large beautiful emerald at the front that represents ireland, that is how special it is to him. My sister said Frances got emotional as she told this, and anyone familiar with Frances will know that that rarely happens.
I just LOVE Francis Hogan. And I am not gushing. I mean I truly love her quiet humble faith and her great knowledge of the scriptures. What a blessing to be with her in person. I can well believe she feels this "fall" of Ireland very very deeply so I can imagine what comfort she took from the Lord's words.
What a wonderful message of hope. I confess to having felt a rush of emotion reading Our Lord has placed the green Emerald representing Ireland at the front of His Crown. God bless you Saint Patrick for winning such a gift for Ireland and the Irish people. Please God they will restore the Faith of our fathers and make Saint Patrick proud of the precious heritage he left for us all to enjoy. The Holy Faith.
