St Malachy Triduum Day Three: Feast Day

Given that today is St Malachy's feast day, and as we bring our Triduum to an end, perhaps a word or two on friendship.  Malachy and Bernard were dear friends: two holy men in love with God, they recognised in each other a soul mate and companion on the path to perfection.  Each sought to help the other to sainthood, and as they both attained it through mutual assistance, it is only right that their relics should lie together, intermingled.   I have spoken about friendship before on this blog and how same sex friendship is now taken to be homosexual relationships.  So far Malachy and Bernard have escaped the revisionists of the gay movement, and I hope it stays that way because the example of their friendship is one we can learn from.

The friendship they shared had many dimensions. It was personal - two human persons who liked each other, had a lot in common, and so enjoyed each other's company.  The fact that they were Saints does not mean that this human dimension should be excluded from their lives.  A second dimension was their common vision - their desire for the vision of God.  They often spoke about God, and together reflected on Him and his love for mankind.  Looking in hope towards the beatific vision, they taught each other about the Lord while living in his presence.  In this way, almost like a sacrament, they brought the presence of the Lord to the other.

Thirdly, they were men with a common purpose: reform.  They helped each other, encouraged each other, and no doubt consoled each other as they worked long hours and years in the Lord's vineyard, seeking to help the renewal of the Church.  Soul mates, they knew how to salve each other's wounds caused by enemies, misunderstandings, failures and weariness.   Fourthly, they spurred each other on towards holiness, as did St Basil and St Gregory.  Realising that they were send to each other to help form the other in the ways of sanctity, they corrected each other, advised each other in love, so they would not be distracted from the destination which lay ahead.

Finally, their friendship is a symbol of the communion which is to exist between the disciples of Christ.  As a married couple reveal, in their sacramental marriage, the love of God for his people, and the communion which exists in that love: friends reveal, through the union of their love, that love and communion which is particular to the Mystical Body of Christ.  As Malachy and Bernard loved each other, so we too should love one other and help one another on the path to holiness.

Happy Feast Day

Novena Prayer to St Malachy

Glorious Saint Malachy,

ardent yet gentle shepherd of God’s people,

we come before you seeking your

intercession and protection

in this time of trial.

Malachy, angel of peace,

who brought those in conflict

to be reconciled

in the name of Christ,

grant lasting peace and reconciliation

to our country.

Mighty pillar of the Church,

who banished error

by the truth of your preaching,

obtain for each of us the grace

of sincere repentance and renewal

that we may serve the Lord in holiness

all our days.

Most fatherly Archbishop of Armagh,

enkindle the hearts of bishops and priests

that, aided by your patronage and example,

they may labour to form a holy people

            strong in faith

            constant in prayer

            abounding in charity

            devoted to the Sacraments

            and loyal to the See of Peter.

O saint rich in mercy and compassion,

look upon all who are suffering or in need

and obtain for them support, healing and hope.

St Malachy, ablaze with heavenly fire,

be a light to guide us on our pilgrim way

to the Kingdom of Heaven.

There may we be united with you

in singing the praises of God

for ever and ever.

Amen.

SS Malachy and Bernard, pray for us.