Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has affirmed the role that
priests, who are authentic to their calling, can play in the lives of
the faithful.
In his homily at a Mass for the deceased priests of the archdiocese
of Dublin at the weekend, the Archbishop said that despite the many
criticisms of the Church, there are very few figures in today’s Ireland
for whom people show such deep appreciation as they do towards their
priest.
Speaking at Dublin’s Pro Cathedral, he said the reason for this was
because there are very few callings “which privilege a person to enter
so deeply into the souls of others as does the ministry of the priest.”
He noted that a priest’s interest in people’s lives “is not out of
curiosity or out of cold professionalism, but rather out of a desire to
witness to the love, the care and the healing power of Jesus.”
Giving thanks for the deceased priests’ “good lives” and for “the
many graces that God worked” through them, the Archbishop added, “We
celebrate the memory of priests who lived their lives, day after day,
seeking to be authentic followers of Jesus Christ, through their
ministry and witness within the Church and through the holiness of their
lives.”
Despite the failings of its members and of its leaders, these priests loved the Church that they served, Dr Martin said.
He also expressed his appreciation and admiration for the dedication
and affection which the families of the deceased priests showed them,
especially over the final months of their lives.
“This care was not just the fruit of family obligation, but a true
ecclesial service for which the Church must express thanks, as our
gratitude goes out also to housekeepers, personal friends and fellow
priests – who stood by these our deceased brothers in their last
moments.”
He also paid tribute to the Spiritan Fathers, four of whom were among
the priests being remembered, along with one Dominican and one Marist
priest.
“As a diocesan community we owe a great debt to these Religious
Communities who work with us and among us and I hope that I am correct
in saying that these priests found real satisfaction, after many years
ministering elsewhere in the world, to be part of the living Church in
this diocese.”
The communion of the saints in heaven constitutes the fulfilment of all togetherness, the Archbishop said.