The statue of Ireland’s patron saint atop Slieve Patrick in Co Down has been illuminated in red in support of persecuted religious minorities across the globe.
The monument is described as the world’s tallest statue of St Patrick, standing at 47 feet.
It is the site of an annual pilgrimage in honour of St Patrick each June, marking the anniversary of the statue’s unveiling in 1938.
It overlooks Saul, which is believed to be the location of St Patrick’s first Christian church in Ireland, founded almost 1,600 years ago.
The statue was illuminated in red on Sunday following a vigil mass at the nearby St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.
It will remain illuminated throughout the ‘Week of Witness’, which is marked by Catholic charity, Aid to a Church in Need.
Locations around the world including churches, cathedrals and other landmarks will also be illuminated as part of the week to highlight religious persecution.
Bishop of Down and Connor Alan McGuckian attended the illumination ceremony in red robes.
“Some people think there could be 250 Christians suffering violence even unto death every single day,” he said.
“There are 50 countries in the world where Christians are regularly persecuted and dying often.
“So this week you will look up at the mountain and you will see it at night all in red.”
