Reflections on a wonderful World Meeting of Families:
There were concerns around tickets, would we have enough? There were concerns around walking, would it be too far? There were concerns around transport, where was the car park or bus park located? … and yet, it all worked out with such prefect precision in the end.
Every aspect of the World Meeting of Families Pastoral Congress and the Papal Visit was thoroughly enjoyable. I’m already meeting people who watched the Festival of Families in Croke Park and are now saying “I only wish I had been there”.
Those of us who were privileged to be there at some elements of the Congress or some aspects of Pope Francis’ visit were at something we will never forget in our lifetime. 1.2million people tuned into RTE’s coverage of the Papal Mass from the Phoenix Park on Sunday last.
It will take time for us all to unpack the message of the Papal Visit. Pope Francis’ very moving apology to victims of all abuse during Sunday’s Pentiential Rite was a profound moment.
As was the candour and sincere address of An Taoiseach at Dublin Castle not to mention the very moving visit of Pope Francis to the Capuchin Day Centre on Church Streeet affirming Br. Kevin and the work of his many volunteers.
I simply want to sincerely thank the many people across Kildare & Leighlin who in any way contributed to the success of these past memorable days. I think especially of our priests, our parish secretaries, our youth volunteers, our team at Bishop’s House and Faith Development Services, our choir members, our WMOF volunteers and our pilgrims who travelled from every corner of the diocese to the World Meeting of Families and Papal events.
What follows are the texts of the addressess associated with the Papal Visit.
Every blessing & thanks,
+ Denis
Texts associated with the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families
Text of Video Message of Pope Francis prior to his journey to Ireland
Meeting with Authorities, Civil Society and Diplomatic Corps at Dublin Castle
Visit to the Pro-Cathedral to meet engaged and married couples
Visit to the Capuchin Day Centre for Homless Families
Address at the Festival of Families, Croke Park
Angelus at Knock Shrine, including post Angelus remarks
Penitential Act of the Holy Father at Mass in the Phoenix Park
Homily of the Holy Father at Mass in the Phoenix Park
Meeting with the Irish Bishops
In flight press conference on return to Rome
Speech of An Taoiseach at Dublin Castle on Saturday 25th
Words of welcome of Archbishop Michael Neary at Knock Shrine
Words of welcome by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at the opening of Mass at the Phoenix Park
Speaking Notes for Address to Pope Francis by Archbishop Eamon Martin
Complete Texts from Visit of Pope Francis (44 pages in total)