Bishop Fintan Monahan offers prayers and urges road safety this May holiday weekend

03 May 2019

As Ireland, north and south, looks forward to the May public holiday weekend, Bishop Fintan Monahan asks of all road users to take extra care over these three days.

Bishop Monahan said, “We all share a responsibility to protect human life on our roads.  Up to this morning there have been 55 road fatalities in the Republic of Ireland and 19 in Northern Ireland.  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.”

 At 6.30pm Mass this Saturday, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul in Ennis, a ‘Blessing of the Roads’ ceremony will take place to pray for road safety.

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.                        

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