Fr Michael Sinnott, the Irish priest held hostage in the Philippines for 31 days, has been honoured by President Mary McAleese.
Speaking at the reception, President McAleese said: 'It is a privilege to welcome here a man of remarkable resilience, courage and grace under fire.
'Your positivity and ability to count your blessings in dire circumstances are inspirational and timely in your homeland.
'You arrive home in time to celebrate a very important birthday on Thursday.
'From all of us may you have the happiest of birthdays, the happiest of Christmases, ad multos annos.'
The Columban Missionary, from Barntown in Co Wexford, was abducted by gunmen from his home in the Philippines in October.
He was freed last month.
Fr Sinnott will attend a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon along with members of his family and the Columban Fathers.
