Church in Ireland facing one of its 'most challenging' moments, says cardinal

Rome, Italy, Jan 6, 2010 / 13:00 pm

During the funeral Mass for Cardinal Cahal Brendan Daly, who died on December 31 at the age of 92, the Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, remarked that the Church the country is currently facing one of the “most critical and most challenging” moments of its history.

Referring to the clergy abuse scandal in Ireland, Cardinal Brady said, “It has caused such justified anger and outrage on the part of the faithful and damaged trust so profoundly in the integrity of the Church leaders. No one can doubt the Catholic Church in Ireland is now at a defining moment in its history.

“The only way to authentic renewal is that of humble service to God's people.”

“The rebuilding of trust will entail making sure that children are safe at every moment and in every Church setting,” the cardinal added. This “will require complete commitment to the path initiated by Cardinal Daly: of working with the civil authorities and whole parish communities to ensure best practice, cooperation and accountability in safeguarding children in all Church activities” he said.

Cardinal Brady called the late Cardinal Daly a “prophetic man” who was always “ahead of his time” and worked for reconciliation in Northern Ireland, social justice, the protection of the environment and for greater appreciation of the role and contribution of women in the life of the Church.