Bishop Monahan has also invited parishes in the Diocese of Killaloe to pray for safety on our roads.
Bishop Fintan Monahan said, “I am aware that many county councils and civic groups, especially the Road Safety Authority, work very hard to promote safety on the roads. But in truth we all share this responsibility to protect human life on our roads. Road safety awareness is the parable of the Good Samaritan in action within our communities today. I am thinking here of all road users: motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, and we all have a role in helping each other even if we do not know one another personally.
“Up to this morning, 159 people have died already on our roads this year, and this figure is up from 127 deaths this time last year. This loss of human life is heart-breaking for the loved ones of the deceased and a tragedy for our society as a whole.”
Bishop Monahan continued, “Before 6.30pm Mass this Saturday, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul in Ennis, I shall take part in a ‘Blessing of the Roads’ ceremony. I am also inviting parishes across the diocese to pray for those who have lost their lives in tragic circumstances, and also to pray for the safety of our road users.
“I firmly believe that prayer and reflection can change our driving behaviour, calm our aggression, remind us of the spiritual, moral and physical importance of what we are about to do. In this context I recommend the following dedicated prayers for motorists which can be said before driving.”
17th century paidir as Gaeilge
In ainm an Athair 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.