MEMORIAL OF SAINT LEO THE GREAT, POPE AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

A Prayer of Shelter and Shadow by Paidraig O’Tuama

Ar scath a cheile a mhaiareas na daoine.**
-It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.
-It is in the shadow of each other that the people live.
We know that sometimes we are alone,
and sometimes we are in community.
Sometimes we are in shadow,
and sometimes we are surrounded by shelter.
Sometimes we feel like exiles –
in our land, in our languages and in our bodies.
And sometimes we feel surrounded by welcome.
As we seek to be human together,
may we share the things that do not fade:
generosity, truth-telling, silence, respect and love.
And may the power we share
be for the good of all.
We honor God, the source of this rich life.
And we honor each other, story-full and lovely.
Whether in our shadow or in our shelter,
may we live well
and fully
with each other.
Amen.

**Irish for “People live in each other’s shadows.”

Father Bill +