Many people feel undervalued and isolated in affluent, modern Ireland, according to a Jesuit priest who works with the homeless in Dublin's inner city.
Addressing pilgrims on the opening day of Novena 2000 at Knock Shrine, Co Mayo, the Rev Peter McVerry SJ said the only society worth building was one that welcomed all, cared for all and respected the dignity of all.
"We are building an extraordinarily successful economy. We keep getting told that we have never had it so good. We are told that there is no end in sight to this success.
"But if our success leaves some people feeling undervalued, feeling left out, feeling that they have no place in this project, feeling that the rest of us are so busy that we have no time or inclination to care for them, then we are building our house on sand.
"And that is how many people are feeling today. We have failed them and failed our God."
Father McVerry said that feeding the homeless, giving them a bed, was worthless if they were not given back their dignity. They would not find dignity on the streets, "and that is what we have to give them. If we fail to give them back their dignity, our failure could be their death."
The annual Knock Novena continues until next Tuesday. It is expected to attract its largest crowd today, the Feast of the Assumption, when hundreds of people, some barefoot, walk from as far as 20 miles. The Bishop of Dromore, Dr McAreavey, will deliver the homily at today's Novena Mass in the Basilica.