A local Bishop believes people can look to the story of St Patrick to help them understand how Ukrainian refugees are feeling at this moment.
Bishop Paul Dempsey is the chairman of the Bishops' Council for Emigrants and is praising the work of the many individuals and organisations working to support Irish people overseas especially those of advanced age.
In a special message for March 17th, the Bishop of Achrony reminds people that Patrick was too ripped from his homeland and forced to live away from his family in s strange country.
He says the response by Irish people to welcome thousands of Ukrainians to Ireland is heart-warming:
"He was a guy who was forced to leave his own homeland. He suffered loneliness, isolation and difficulty and challenges himself. That certainly is reflected in the story of the Ukrainian people today and we have been so inspired by the Ukrainian people and their resilience, their resistance to the occupation of their country. I think we as Irish people can tune into that somewhat.
"We've been very heartened how Irish people are literally opening the doors of their hearts and homes to the Ukrainian people".
