Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Brady hailed as moral leader

Cardinal Sean Brady was honoured by Church and State yesterday in his native Co Cavan.

He is the first churchman from the county of drumlins and lakes ever to become a "Prince of the Church", and Ireland's 11th cardinal since the mid-19th century.

The Primate of All Ireland and Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh was accorded a civic reception, before concelebrating Mass in the cathedral of St Patrick and St Felim, the headquarters of the diocese of Kilmore -- where he has worked for three decades as a priest.

Bishop of Kilmore Leo O'Reilly told a huge congregation that they could be "justifiably proud that one of our own has become a member of the highest council of the Church".

Bishop O'Reilly said last month's celebrations in Rome and the huge crowds that greeted the cardinal on his return bore testament to the impact he had made in the archdiocese of Armagh over the past 11 years.

"Since you became archbishop you have led the Irish Church and the Irish Bishops' Conference with great wisdom and courage," Bishop O'Reilly added.

"You did it during what has arguably been the most difficult period that the Church has experienced in the last two centuries.

"Your contribution to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland has been universally acknowledged. Your timely interventions on the national stage in recent years have shown you to be a moral leader of great stature, and have earned you the respect of all right-thinking people."

Talents

Noting that the 68-year-old cardinal's greatest talents were in dealing with people, Bishop O'Reilly said that his leading by example, and his humble and unassuming nature had broken down barriers of prejudice, and had opened the way for new initiatives in the Church and in wider society.

Children's Minister Brendan Smith conveyed the congratulations of the Taoiseach and the Government and wished Cardinal Brady well in carrying out his responsibilities.

Mr Smith said that the cardinal would continue to give "outstanding leadership and dedicated vision" in his new position.

The new cardinal was also presented with an inscribed copy of a chalice, from 1625, which had belonged to Bishop Hugh O'Reilly -- also promoted from the diocese of Kilmore to the primacy in Armagh.
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