The Catholic Church in Ireland needs to start afresh from Christ, and dedicate itself to the “painstaking process” of spiritual renewal that will allow it to continue playing its role as a “moral conscience” in society. So said the new papal nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Leanza, who was formally welcomed as nuncio at a liturgical reception in the pro cathedral Dublin on Saturday night.
In his first homily, the new nuncio spoke of the child sexual abuse scandals that had rocked the Catholic Church here in recent years.
He said the Pope was spiritually very close to Ireland and Irish society "which has, above all in recent times, been deeply pained by the injury inflicted on innocent people and their families by churchmen whose conduct has been in stark contrast to their priestly calling and religious obligations.”
Quoting the Pope’s words to the Irish bishops during their ad limina visit in 2006, Archbishop Leanza said it was important to “establish the truth of what happened in the past, to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent it from occurring again, to ensure that the principles of justice are fully respected and, above all, to bring healing to the victims and to all those affected by these egregious crimes.”
In this way the Church in Ireland would grow stronger and be ever more capable of giving witness to the redemptive power of the cross of Christ, he said, still quoting the Pope.
The new nuncio paid homage, on the day of Pentecost, to the great work of the Catholic Church in Ireland in generating so many missionaries, at home and abroad, saying he was also mindful of the work of “young volunteers, members of government and non-government agencies, and members of the armed forces on peace-keeping missions abroad”, who have dedicated their lives to the service of those in need in remote regions of the world.
The Catholic Church was called, in this new Ireland to face new challenges, said the 65 year old native of Sicily. Not least of these was the growing influence of secularism in society, the dramatic drop in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and the deep crisis that has tarnished what is called to be a spotless image.
“It needs to start afresh from Christ, says the Holy Father. In Christ and with Christ, it will find the strength and courage to wash its garments “in the blood of the Lamb” and dedicate itself to the painstaking process of spiritual renewal that will allow it to continue playing its role as a “moral conscience” in society, just as in the past, thus helping to build up a society in this country that is worthy in every way of the human person.”
Archbishop Leanza concluded by praising the Church in Ireland’s recent initiative in launching a year of vocation, and the “Missionary Year” being conducted in the Archdiocese of Dublin with the aim of bringing Christ and his message to every home.
During the reception, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin warmly welcomed the nuncio and said he hoped that through the nuncio’s mission, he would help “deepen that bond of faith and charity which links us through the Pope with the fellowship of the Churches around the world.”
The archbishop of Dublin used the occasion to launch a special appeal for the people of Myanamar (Burma).
“We pray that our sense of solidarity with them will bring them hope. We pray that the fruits of international solidarity may rapidly reach them and give them succour in their suffering,” said the Archbishop.
The reception was attended by members of the Government, diplomatic corps, and representatives of Christian Churches. New Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, represented the government.
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