Praying for Safety on the Roads
- Bishop Monahan to bless roads in Ennis as figures show 52 people have died on roads across the island so far this year.
As Ireland, north and south, looks forward to the Saint Patrick’s public holiday weekend, Bishop Fintan Monahan asks of all road users to take extra care over these three days.
Bishop Monahan said, “Road deaths are preventable but care, attention and vigilance must always be at the forefront of the minds of road users – motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians – if this is to happen. We must be conscious that each of us has a responsibility when we get behind the wheel to ensure we are not putting our lives or the lives of others at risk.
“Up to this morning across the island of Ireland, there have been 42 road fatalities in the South, and ten in the North. This loss of human life is a tragedy for our society and is particularly devastating for the families and loved ones of those involved. I invite parishes across the diocese to pray for those who have lost their lives in tragic circumstances so far this year, and also to pray for the safety of our road users.”
This Sunday, Saint Patrick’s Day, following the celebration of 9.30am Mass in the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, Ennis, Bishop Monahan will lead a ‘Blessing of the Roads’ ceremony to pray for the protection of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. This will take place immediately before the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Bishop Monahan recommends two prayers to help people change their driving behaviour, and to stay safe on roads across the island this bank holiday weekend.
17th century paidir as Gaeilge
In ainm an Athar le bua,
In ainm an Mhic a d’fhulaing an phian,
In ainm an Spiorad Naoimh le neart,
Muire is a Mac linn inár dtriall. Áiméan!
A contemporary prayer in the English language
Holy Mother, hear our prayer,
Keep us in your loving care,
Whatever the perils of the way,
Let us not add to them this day.
So to our caution and attention,
We add a prayer for your protection,
To beg God’s blessing on this car,
To travel safely near and far.
Amen.
ENDS
- Bishop Fintan Monahan is Bishop of Killaloe.
- Sources for road safety information: An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of `Northern Ireland.