Archbishop Martin to celebrate Christmas Mass in Dundalk next month

Archbishop Eamon Martin

Armagh Diocesan Cursillo will celebrate the annual Mass in Preparation for Christmas with Archbishop Eamon Martin on Friday 12^th December at 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Dundalk.

Cursillo was first introduced to the Archdiocese of Armagh in 1987 by Fr John B. Duffy. Since that time hundreds of people, both laity and clergy, across the Archdiocese have participated in Cursillo Weekends.

Over the past year the Cursillo have been reflecting on their role in the work of the New Evangelisation called for by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and more recently by Pope Francis. With this in mind they have established their presence on Facebook and Twitter, bringing the message of Cursillo to social media. They have also been attempting to contact everyone who has made a Cursillo Weekend in the Archdiocese since its introduction in 1987 and have already contacted nearly 500 people.

In a statement the Cursillo said: “We would like to extend a special invitation to everyone from the Archdiocese of Armagh who has made a Cursillo Weekend to join us for this special Mass. An invitation is also extended to everyone who may be interested in the work of Cursillo in the Archdiocese to join us in Dundalk on 12^th December where there will be members present to give information. All are welcome to join us for this Mass, followed by refreshments.”

For more information on the work of Cursillo please visit www.cursillo.ie or find them on Facebook or Twitter.

Pope accepts Cardinal Brady’s resignation

Cardinal Sean Brady

Pope Francis has accepted Cardinal Sean Brady’s resignation as leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Cardinal Brady said it had been a great joy and privilege for him to serve as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland since 1996.

“I am pleased that Pope Francis has today accepted the resignation which I offered to him on the occasion of my 75th birthday,” said Cardinal Brady.

“I warmly congratulate Archbishop Eamon Martin who today becomes Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland.”

Cardinal Brady, whose final years as a clerical leader were dogged by abuse scandals, said he would pray that God may give to Archbishop Eamon in abundance all the graces he needs.

“I assure him of my help and total support at all times,” continued the Cardinal, who was first appointed a bishop by Pope St John Paul II.

The Primate of All Ireland announced plans to step down on age grounds last month after turning 75, the age which bishops are required by canon law to tender their resignation.

However survivors of clerical sex abuse criticised the move as “too little, too late”.

Cardinal Brady was heavily criticised for swearing two victims of paedophile priest Brendan Smyth to secrecy during an internal church inquiry in 1975 into the abuse of two children.

His resignation letter to the Vatican coincided with a call from Irish clerical abuse survivor Marie Kane, who met Pope Francis on July 7, for the cardinal to stand down immediately. Pope Francis later promised to hold bishops accountable for the protection of children and begged forgiveness from victims.

Separately, the Dundalk man who exposed Cardinal Brady’s role in the church inquiry said he was not resigning, but rather retiring ‘as if he has done nothing wrong’.

Brendan Boland, who was abused by the notorious serial paedophile Smyth, revealed that five more of the dead cleric’s victims have come forward since the publication of his book ‘Sworn to Silence’.

The Cardinal previously said he truly sorry for the suffering of victims, but stressed he would not resign over the controversy.

However he made no direct reference to the claims as he addressed massgoers in Armagh.

Instead he recalled the Pope’s motto “miserando atque eligendo” which he said “challenges and inspires me with its message of God having mercy and at the same time choosing us, despite our sinfulness”.

“It reminds me that I too need to say sorry and to ask forgiveness,” he added.

“And I do so again, now. At the same time, Pope Francis’ motto inspires me to trust in the mercy of God and to pray for the strength to do always as Jesus would have me do.

“The people of the Archdiocese of Armagh and the people of Ireland will remain in my prayers for the rest of my life. I ask the favour of your prayers to help me continue to serve God as best I can all the days God gives me.”

Cardinal Brady offers his resignation to Pope Francis

Cardinal Sean Brady

Cardinal Sean Brady has offered his resignation to Pope Francis.

The Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, who was made a cardinal in 2007, confirmed he had offered to step down in keeping with canon law.

The religious law states that bishops must resign by the age of 75 – and Cardinal Brady turns that age tomorrow, Saturday August 16th.

The move should see Archbishop Eamon Martin take both places in the hierarchy.

A statement by Cardinal Brady read: “Last month I offered my resignation to Pope Francis in accordance with the requirement of Canon Law.

“I did so in anticipation of my seventy-fifth birthday which I will celebrate tomorrow.

“On 18 January 2013 Pope Benedict XVI acceded to my request for episcopal support and Archbishop Eamon Martin was appointed as Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh.

“This means that as soon as Pope Francis accepts my resignation Archbishop Eamon will become Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.

“Archbishop Eamon has been warmly welcomed into the diocese.

“He has worked tirelessly in getting to know its priests, religious and lay faithful, as well as by becoming involved in every aspect of the life of the Church in Armagh and beyond.

“I look forward to the day when my resignation will be accepted and when Archbishop Eamon will take over as Archbishop, a position for which, I believe, he is excellently prepared.”

Archbishop Eamon Martin visiting Dundalk this Thursday

 

Archbishop Eamon Martin will be visiting Dundalk IT this Thursday.

His visit will take place between 5pm to 6pm and all are welcome to attend his discussion in room P1079 of the PJ Carroll building.

The Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh will be speaking about Pope Francis, the church in Ireland and Christmas and refreshments will be served after the talk.