The Internet is a wonderful tool. Yesterday, thanks to The Project Gutenberg eBook I found complete text of The Life of St Malachy, by St Bernard of Clairvaux. Malachy was a reformer, and a worker of miracles. He is also the first native of Ireland to be canonised. Pasted below are a few interesting quotes from the test, on the sacrament of confession. It appears that we Irish have a long history of not going to confession. There are still many parishes where "confession is not practiced." I think we might need a few holy ordained reformers "to institute anew the most wholesome usage of Confession". St Malachy pray for us.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh, by H. J. Lawlor
At Armagh Confession was not practised (§ 7); in the diocese of Connor "nowhere could be found any who would either seek penance or impose it" (§ 16). It may be true that Confession had been much neglected among some classes of the people: Malachy on one occasion met a woman who had never confessed (§ 54), and the very fact that he put the question to her "whether she had ever confessed her sins" suggests that she was not singular in this respect. But it is remarkable that the anmchara (soul-friend), or Confessor, is frequently mentioned in Irish literature.
"He instituted anew Confession, Confirmation, the Marriage contract, of all [Pg liii]of which those over whom he was placed were either ignorant or negligent." In a word, Malachy showed himself an ardent reformer.
Then Malachy instituted anew the most wholesome usage of Confession, the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Marriage contract—of all of which they were either ignorant or negligent.
In a city called Antrim a certain man lying on a bed, now deprived for twelve days of the use of his tongue, at the bidding of the saint, who visited him, recovered his speech and received the Eucharist; and so fortified he breathed his last breath in a good confession. O, fruitful olive tree in the house of God! O, oil of gladness, giving both anointing and light! By the splendour of the miracle he gave light to those who were whole, by the graciousness of the favour he anointed the sick man, and obtained for him, soon about to die, the saving power of confession and communion.
Triduum Prayer to St Malachy (Day 2)
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.
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