Cardinal Sean O’Malley delivers special Saint Patrick’s Day blessing for Catholic Bostonians

By Jaclyn Reiss, Globe Correspondent

As Cardinal Sean O’Malley remains in Rome for Pope Francis’ Tuesday inauguration, Boston’s Catholic leader delivered a special Saint Patrick’s Day blessing for those back home, emphasizing the importance of the local patron saint.

“Saint Patrick’s day in Boston is a time to celebrate our pride and heritage,” O’Malley said in his audio message, which was taped in Rome. “I wish I could be with you all for the annual celebration of the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Boston and of all Ireland… Through the miracle of modern technology, I am able to speak to you as your bishop and let you know how happy I am to call Boston my hometown.”

O’Malley outlined Saint Patrick’s accomplishments, comparing his altruistic personality to the newly-named Pope Francis.

“[Pope Francis’] love for the poor and his missionary zeal are two of his greatest attributes,” O’Malley said. “Saint Patrick was also a great lover of the poor… he was a man who remained strong in his faith even in the midst of hard times and adversity. As a slave he never lost hope, and as a bishop, when he was rejected because of his preaching of the gospel, he never gave up.”

O’Malley ended his remarks by offering his affection to all of Boston, and in the spirit of the holiday, recited the popular Irish prayer, “May the road rise up to meet you.”

“God bless you, and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day,” he said.