Irish Catholic bishops have encouraged people to use the feast of St Patrick to unite in prayer for peace.
In particular, they highlighted Gaza, Ukraine, Syria and Sudan.
Affirming the right of all of the people of the Holy Land to live in peace in their own homeland, the bishops echoed the message of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa who recently called for resilience and strength amongst the people.
The bishops have also highlighted the words of Pope Francis who from his hospital bed said: "I pray above all for peace. From here war appears even more absurd!".
Considering the importance of the national feast day, and the suffering Patrick experienced as a migrant, they have called on parishes to "reach out in a special way" to migrants who have come to live in Irish communities, and to extend welcome, support and solidarity at this time.