The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, has expressed his "deepest gratitude" to the priests of the archdiocese for their loyal and devoted service.
In a homily delivered at Holy Thursday services in Dublin's Pro-Cathedral yesterday he acknowledged that "undoubtedly, it is a time of challenge, and I appreciate the many difficulties with which you are contending in a spirit of great courage and resolution." Addressing over 200 of the archdiocese's priests and its auxiliary bishops, he also said he wished to renew his own commitment to their welfare and to seek ways of providing the support "you rightly expect as the number of priests continues to decline".
Reflecting on the priestly vocation he noted "our people address us as father. It is a name that we cherish because it binds us to them in a deep understanding of the mission we have." "By a miracle of divine condescension," they had been chosen within the family of the church to bring to the world the good news of the Father's compassion, he said.
"It is often a world too little concerned for the poor. Is it not the Ireland of our own day, making strides in economic and social progress, close to the peace for which we have longed, but bearing the marks of moral disorder, self-seeking and crime?" he said.
Addressing them as "my dear brother priests", he said: "You know what I mean. You know the misery caused by alcohol, drug-taking, violence and suicide. You see how permissive attitudes are weakening convictions about marriage and family life.
"You feel the pull of a drift that is gaining momentum. And you are anxious, not about loss of control and power, but because you share the compassion of the Father, who loved the world so much that he gave his only Son."
He urged them to be "a compassionate presence. Ever ready to bring comfort and hope . . . You will be sensitive and respectful of personal dignity, never arrogant, dismissive or harsh." The Bishop of Kerry, Dr William Murphy, in a pastoral letter, has urged everyone to make themselves more aware of the problem of Third World debt and to see what they can do to support the campaign for its elimination.
The debt placed an intolerable burden on some of the poorest countries in the world and created major difficulties for economic development and the provision of basic health care and education, he said.
Dr Murphy said refugees and asylum-seekers should make us think about our value systems and our willingness to challenge our prejudices and to share at a real and basic level what we have as a nation.
"Our own people faced many difficulties in seeking work, shelter and acceptance as the Irish diaspora became part of our history. How generous and openhearted are we prepared to be on our own doorsteps?" he asked.
He referred to the many in the diocese who depended on the land and the sea for a living.
"They, in particular, have had a very tough winter and the continuing uncertainty about the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and EU policies on fisheries creates particular worries," he said.
