The people of Kildare and Leighlin Diocese are being urged not to focus on church structures or leaders but to celebrate faith on the occasion of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress.This call came from Monsignor Brendan Byrne, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, who was appointed to replace Bishop Jim Moriarty who resigned in December 2009 in the wake of the Murphy Report.
The former bishop had been part of the governance of the Archdiocese of Dublin when there were child abuse issues and, while not directly involved, he resigned because he felt that, as Auxiliary Bishop, he should have challenged the prevailing culture.
In a message to the people of the diocese Mgr Brendan Byrne sends, “joyful greetings” to each as Sunday marks the opening of the week-long celebrations of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012.
Stating that the Congress is a call to renew the traditional deep faith he writes, “My hope is that the people of this diocese will gladly grasp this invitation to focus on what is at the heart of our faith: the person of Jesus Christ and our relationship with him. This is the lifeblood for all we believe. Not Church structures. Not Church leaders. They have a role to play, but as Christians we are followers of Jesus Christ who lives among us. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the solid foundation for all our hope. This is the good news we can truly cherish.”
This weekend the diocese is distributing a prayer card in all parishes which inviting each person to unite in prayer with the spirit of the Congress.
The prayer is for the seven days in seven places, bringing home the idea that Jesus is with everyone in all the moments and places of their pilgrim journey on earth.
“By uniting to say the prayers throughout the diocese we are connected to the wider family of our faith and it allows those unable to attend the Congress the opportunity to connect with and be part of this wonderful International Eucharistic celebration,” he states.
The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin includes County Carlow and parts of Counties Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny and Wexford.