Bishop Denis Nulty pays tribute to the late Bishop Jim Moriarty
On Saturday as I received the telephone call informing me of the passing of Bishop Jim Moriarty in Cherryfield Lodge Nursing Home and subsequently announced his death, I felt a great sadness but also acknowledge recent months were not easy for him as his health deteriorated.
Bishop Jim’s episcopal motto was ‘Sentire pro omnibus’ meaning “to think and feel for all” and he very much lived this in his ministry. The Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin was delighted with his appointment as he brought with him huge initiatives around evangelisation, faith development, vocations and youth ministry. Many of his initiatives in these areas were pioneering in the country. He is well remembered for his personal qualities of kindness, gentleness and openness to all, living out his motto.
At the moment in my celebrations of Confirmation, I know how much Bishop Jim spoke to young people through the homilies he delivered where he so easily engaged with their culture and interests. This stemmed from his days as chaplain in UCD and his subsequent close participation in every aspect of World Youth Days.
All of us will remember Bishop Jim as a kind and humble pastor as we hold his family and many friends in our prayers these days.
+Denis