I venerated the relics and prayed in the Holy Family Church in Southill in Limerick earlier today. Irish members or readers of Cath Info will know it is quite a rough area. Today was my first time to visit this area and the church. I didn't get a chance to speak with the priests but spoke to a few locals.
Southill is ravaged with crime, gang feuds, high unemployment, children born outside of wedlock is quite high. It's not a safe place after dark for certain. Even going there during the day is dangerous. A minority, who are involved in drug dealing, extortion and other criminal acts have created fear and intimidation there.
Despite all this and whilst a novus ordo setting I found it a very Catholic atmosphere there today. As I was leaving quite alot of young couples with young children were arriving.