by Tim Harfmann

DUBLIN – Pilgrims attending the World Meeting of Families from Brooklyn and Queens visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral this week – but not the one they’re familiar with in Manhattan.

“It’s very… very different from St. Patrick’s in New York,” said pilgrim Marlyne Pereira.

The Dublin site – the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland – is believed to be where the fifth-century saint baptized converts.

“He built the faith back to the Irish people,” said pilgrim Anthony Das.

Pilgrims pray to see the Irish people build the faith again. Decades ago, 90 percent of Irish Catholics filled the pews across the country. Today, it’s down to 30 percent.

Many wish the Holy Father’s message this weekend bring the faithful back to the Church.

“My hope is that Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland will help to reignite that faith, to strengthen those who are believers,” said Father Christopher Heanue, who heads the Irish Ministry in the Brooklyn Diocese.

He says St. Pope John Paul II warmed worshipers about the decline of Catholicism when he visited Ireland in 1979. During Mass, the Holy Father addressed issues that have affected the Church.

“He spoke, in that homily – 40 years ago – about the sanctity of marriage; he spoke about the sanctity of human life; he spoke about vocations to the priesthood; and each one of them has been challenged, very much so, here in Ireland,” said Father Heanue.

Now, these pilgrims hope for a restored faith in the country – just as St. Patrick did centuries ago.

“Go back to the old roots, find your root, and start back from that,” Das said.

For complete coverage of the World Meeting of Families, tune into Currents News.