Bishop Niall Coll, formerly Bishop of Ossory, following his
installation as Bishop of Raphoe. Photos: Brian McDaid. Bishop Niall Coll called on Irish society to protect the vulnerable and urged for free conscience at the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock on June 20.
The bishop highlighted pressing issues faced by people today, including the protection of the unborn, care for the seriously ill, those with disabilities, and the elderly approaching the end of life.
He cautioned against a gradual decline of moral sensitivity. “One of the dangers facing any society is that it can grow so accustomed to certain assumptions that it stops examining them. What begins as an exception gradually becomes normal,” he said.
Looking to the future, Bishop Coll said history offers sobering lessons. He explained that the lack of questioning can be harmful to people and their families.
“Decisions that appear compassionate and reasonable in the moment can later be viewed with disbelief and regret. Future generations often look back and ask: did people fully recognise the dignity of every human life – or did they simply go along with what was easiest at the time?” the bishop said. “Every human life possesses dignity. Every human life deserves protection – not because of what it can do, but because God does not let go of what He has made.”
Also commenting on the Day for Life, Bishop Martin Hayes spoke about what Christians can do. “We are called to extend our concern to those women who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy. We must do all we can to support them in their pregnancy to birth, to provide for them in the belief that all life is created by God for a purpose.”