Bishop John McDowell and Bishop Liam MacDaid
THE priests and people of the Diocese of Clogher honoured Bishop Emeritus Liam MacDaid, at a special celebration in St Macartan’s Church in Monaghan on Sunday.
The cathedral was packed to overflowing for the Mass of Thanksgiving for the former Bishop.
The chief celebrant of the Mass was Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, Diocesan Administrator. Other concelebrants included Bishop MacDaid, Bishop Joseph Duffy (Bishop-Emeritus of Clogher), Bishop Leo O’Reilly (Bishop of Kilmore), Bishop John McAreavey (Bishop of Dromore) and all the priests of the Diocese of Clogher together with a number of visiting priests. The homily was preached by Monsignor Larry Duffy PP, Carrickmacross, the Dean of the Diocesan Chapter of Canons.
St Macartan’s Cathedral in Monaghan was packed to overflowing for the Mass of Thanksgiving for the former Bishop.
Following the Mass Bishop MacDaid spoke to the congregation recalling that when he was ordained bishop he had said, “Society has forced us in the Irish church to look into the mirror and what we saw were weakness and failure, victims and abuse. We have been brought to our knees but maybe that is no bad thing. I invite you priests and people of the diocese of Clogher to join me on a repentant journey to the well of salvation. The journey will include for many facing the enormous challenge of forgiveness.”
He went on to tell the congregation that it had been a great joy and privilege to work with his brother Bishop John McDowell of the Church of Ireland.
“In his statement on my retirement Bishop McDowell said, ‘It has been the greatest privilege to have served our Lord Jesus Christ together with Bishop Liam, in whatever small ways we could, and I look forward to continuing our friendship in his retirement.
“I reciprocate these sentiments which are a testimony to the Holy Spirit’s work and the assistance of so many good ecumenically minded people in our communities,” he said.
He explained that the diocese had established mutually beneficial links with Kenya in recent years.
“We give thanks to God for all these co-operative endeavours which have linked the people of Clogher, Kenya and elsewhere into a vibrant Missionary Church,” he told the congregation.
“People of the Diocese of Clogher, you have an exceptional team of good priests to serve your needs.
“Parishioners have paid tribute to you the priests and it is most affirming for you to know that you are appreciated by those you look after, and that they will return your care and kindness.”
He highlighted the emergence of lay people and young people as a significant and powerful influence in the life of the diocese.
“Most of them were just waiting to be asked and generously put their skills and energy at the service of the community of believers,” he said giving a special mention to Clogher don Oige the youth group in the diocese.
The Mass concluded with a Ceremony of Light during which lighted candles were presented and carried from the Cathedral to symbolise the continuing journey of the people of the diocese towards Christ our Light during the sede vacante.
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