Staff reporter
Ireland’s most senior Churchman has assured priests that their dedication and resilience in difficult circumstances does not go unnoticed by the hierarchy and is a key point for discussion during meetings in Rome.
Speaking at the opening Mass for the bishops’ ad limina pilgrimage to Rome, during which they will meet with Pope Francis and other senior Vatican officials, Archbishop Eamon Martin said the “ministry and wellbeing” of priests “is dear to all of us”.
Addressing his fellow bishops at the tomb of St Peter in the Vatican basilica, he said “we are aware that their smaller numbers, increased workload and ever more challenging pastoral situations has taken its toll on them.
“We thank God today for their resilience, dedication and generosity, and for the kindness and support offered to them, and us, by our people and religious,” the Primate of All-Ireland said.
He said that the prayers of Ireland’s priests and people would sustain them during their ad limina visit. The bishops are due to meet Pope Francis tomorrow (Friday) as part of the process of reporting to the Holy See on the situation of the Church in Ireland.
During the January 15-25 visit, the bishops are also meeting with various departments of the Roman Curia as well as Irish religious communities working in Rome.
Discussions are expected to include the Pope’s planned visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin in 2018 as well as the ongoing fallout from Brexit in the North and the current political instability.
