Build the Nation: A Blessing

By Father Jim Galluzzo. Delivered at the fifteenth anniversary of the dedication of the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial - 13 December 2023 - Mount Calvary Cemetery Portland Oregon.

The Cross 

 Build the nation's cemeteries 
with empty graves 
For Hibernia's sons and daughters, 
died by starvation 
 
There are no graves 
people died on the roadside, 
or on ships  
. 
Who died? 
who remembered the names of the dead 
in this British colony, 
 
Shrinking stomachs, 
Starved  bodies and minds 
Feeding people with empty soup 
Hope seemed dead    

The Resurrection Blessing 

 
Through our connection to the Irish People, 

through our gathering today. 

We arise again 

As we remember the suffering from the Potato famine 
Every resurrection has its cross. 
We arise today through the memories that bring us hope, 
the gift of a green island, the light of the sun 

the spirit of resistance and the firmness of resilience 

We rise today that we may stop oppression and mistreatment of humanity. 

We rise today from the people who use power over us. 

From everyone who wish ill of Ireland. 

We summon the strength of the Irish people 

To continue the journey to embrace its greatness and oneness. 

That the Irish may experience an abundance of Hope . 

We arise today.

The interpretive panel at the foot of the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial provides context for the tragedy of An Gorta Mor - The Great Hunger.