St. Patrick's Day is Celebrated

(17 March 2007 - RV) Today marks the Feast of St. Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland and Apostle to the Irish. The saint is honored by liturgical celebrations and colorful parades across the globe. Here in Rome, the local diocese is paying a particular tribute to the missionary saint by dedicating a new church to him. Ceremonies will be presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vicar of Rome. The Irish Church will be represented by Bishop Michael Smith of Meath. Msgr. Liam Bergin, Rector of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome, explanis why this saint has such an international appeal.