An Irish bishop, reflecting on the enormous social changes in that country since it achieved independence, has said that the Irish nationalists who led the 1916 uprising "would be disappointed to see how materialism has possessed so many hearts and minds and pushed God from the center to the sidelines."Speaking at the annual 1916 Commemoration Mass, Bishop Christopher Jones of Elphin reminded his congregation that the Catholic faith had exercised enormous influence over Irish society in the early part of the 20th century, so that Eamon De Valera, a dominant figure in Ireland's struggle for independence, "saw Catholic Ireland and the Irish nation as synonymous."
"It is said that the relationship between Church and State was symbiotic," Bishop Jones said.
"It wasn’t good for the Church or for the State but it is so important to see where it came from."
He added: "It is said today that the Church of the early centuries would have been healthier if it had not become so identified with the Roman Empire. The same can now be said about the relationship between the Church and State in the first half of 20th century Ireland."
While expressing his concern about materialism and selfishness in today's Ireland, Bishop Jones praised the progress that has been made in the realms of economics and education. He also observed: "The Peace Agreement in the North of our land has to be the greatest achievement of our time."
The bishop offered a striking tribute to Ireland's President Mary McAleese during his homily, saying that she "represents all that is best and beautiful of our country and our culture." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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