St. James' Church Bushypark Galway

This prayer was found in a German concentration camp at the end of the last war. It was written on a scrap of paper. We know the terrible things that happened in the camps. Yet this prayer speaks, not of revenge, but of forgiveness.

Lord, remember not only the people of goodwill, but also those of ill will.

Do not remember only the sufferings that have been inflicted on us,

but remember too the fruit we have bought as a result of this suffering:

the comradeship and loyalty,

the humility and courage,

the generosity and greatness of heart that has grown out of it.

And when they come to judgement,

let all the fruits we have borne be their forgiveness.

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.