The Feast of St Malachy

St Malachy shows us the healing that is available, to each of us, in the sacraments.

"54. (3). There was also a woman whom a spirit of anger and fury dominated to such an extent that not only her neighbours and relatives fled from her society, but even her own sons could scarcely endure to live with her. Shouting, rancour and a mighty tempest wherever she was. Violent, fiery, hasty, terrible with tongue and hand, intolerable to all, and hated. Her sons, grieving both for her and for themselves, dragged her into the presence of Malachy, setting forth their lamentable complaint with tears. But the holy man, pitying both the sickness of the mother and the trouble of her sons, called her aside, and made urgent inquiry [Pg 98]whether she had ever confessed her sins. She replied, "Never." "Confess," said he. She obeyed; and he enjoined penance on her when she made confession, and prayed over her that Almighty God might give her the spirit of meekness, and in the name of the Lord Jesus bade her to be angry no more. Such meekness followed that it was plain to all that it was nothing else than a marvellous change effected by the right hand of the Most High. It is said that she is still living to-day, and is so patient and gentle that, though she used to exasperate all, now she cannot be exasperated by any injuries or insults or afflictions. If it be allowed me, as the Apostle says, to be fully persuaded in my own mind, let each accept it as he will; for me, I give it as my opinion that this miracle should be regarded as superior to that of raising the dead woman, mentioned above, inasmuch as there the outward, but here the inner man was restored to life. And now let us hasten to what remains."

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh, by H. J. Lawlor
CHAPTER VI
St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.

Triduum 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.