Cardinal Seán Brady was given a warm welcome at St Patrick's Cathedral tonight as he returned to the the Archdiocese of Armagh following his elevation to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI.
Despite the inclement weather Cardinal Brady was given a warm welcome as he completed an open-top vehicle parade through the town before he celebrated Mass in the Cathedral.
Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh Gerard Clifford said many tributes have been paid to Cardinal Brady's
Cardinal Brady meet parishioners in Armagh tonight.
leadership of the Church in Armagh and in Ireland.
"Suffice it to say that those tributes speak of your deep faith, your generosity of spirit, your modesty and your decency. More than anything they have spoken of your single-mindedness in your commitment to the Church in Armagh and to the Church in Ireland."
"Today Armagh and Ireland are both very proud of the great honour bestowed upon you by Pope Benedict XVI in appointing you to the College of Cardinals. It is indeed a great honour," Bishop Clifford said.
Dr Brady (68) was celebrating his elevation at a number of events throughout the day. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern greeted the Primate of All Ireland when he landed at Dublin airport.
"As Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal Seán Brady has been a very powerful but understated advocate of peace and reconciliation," Mr Ahern said.
Dr Brady also attended a service of welcome at the airport church before making his way back to Armagh, and he will stop off in Drogheda, Ardee, Dundalk, Newtownhamilton, Keady and Ballymacnab.