President welcomed Fr. Pat Clarke to Áras an Uachtaráin.
Fr Pat Clarke was among 10 recipients of the 2019 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, for his work with poor people in a São Paulo favela.
The President paid tribute to Fr. Pat, who he said “played a profound role in the long history of Irish missionaries across Brazil, reaching out a hand of friendship and support across forty years to those most vulnerable and marginalised in his adopted home. By striving to improve living standards for his impoverished fellow citizens, campaigning against discrimination, violence and injustice, and sharing that most vital and liberating gift of education, Father Pat has given hope to so many rendered powerless and voiceless.”
