Since his arrival in Ireland as Apostolic Nuncio in January 2012,
Archbishop Charles J Brown has always been clearly and recognisably the
representative of the Holy Father, first Pope Benedict XVI and then Pope
Francis.
He came among us as a diplomat, at a time when diplomacy was
really needed, but he came with the heart of a pastor. Over the past
five years, he has challenged us and encouraged us in equal measure.
I first met Archbishop Brown when he came to visit the staff at the 50th
International Eucharistic Congress office, shortly after his
appointment to Ireland.
During that busy period he was very supportive
to us and was ready to do anything he could to help.
In much the same
way, around the time of my appointment as a bishop, I found him very
approachable and encouraging. He has visited the Diocese of Elphin on
five or six occasions over the past three years and always seemed to
have plenty of time to meet people, young and old alike.
As many people will be aware, Archbishop Brown had to devote a
significant amount of energy to the renewal of the Episcopal Conference.
In the past five years, eleven Episcopal appointments have been made
in Ireland and the process is under way for seven more. This work will
have to be completed on someone else’s watch, but that is the nature of
the Church.
As Saint Paul says, “I planted the seed in your hearts,
and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow”.
While I am sorry that Archbishop Brown will soon be leaving us, I am
delighted that the Catholics of Albania, who have suffered so much in
the past, will have him among them as the personal representative of
Pope Francis.
I wish him every blessing in his new mission and hope
that he will occasionally return to visit us.
+Kevin Doran