Words of Bishop Michael Router at Funeral Mass for Dylan Commins RIP
On behalf of Archbishop Eamon, and of the priests, deacons, and people of the Archdiocese of Armagh, I want to offer my deepest sympathies today to the family of Dylan Commins. To his mother Denise and his father Thomas; to his sisters Lauren, Jessica and Sarah; to his granny Sheila; to his aunts and uncles, cousins and wide circle of relatives, neighbours, and friends who loved him so dearly.
The sudden and heartbreaking loss of Dylan, together with Chloe McGee, Chloe Hipson, Alan McCluskey and Shay Duffy, has left communities across this region, and indeed across the whole country, shocked and grieving.
Ailbet in very sad circumstances, the presence of President Catherine Connolly with us this afternoon acknowledges that fact and we are all very grateful for, and comforted by, your attendance here, a Uachtaran.
None of us can easily comprehend the scale of what has happened. All we can do is hold Dylan and each of his young friends in the embrace of our prayers and commend them to the eternal mercy of God.
In your sorrow Denise, Thomas, Lauren, Jessica and Sarah, the Lord, who is always close to the broken-hearted, will surround you with His comfort, His strength, and His peace. Nothing I say can take away the pain you carry. But I can say this for certain: you are not alone. You are held by a community of care and love. I could see that on Wednesday night when I called to your home, how you supported each other as a family and how your friends and neighbours were giving you strength.
Christ Himself walks with you. He knows your pain and suffering intimately. When Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection His first words to them were, “Peace be with you.” It was His, quiet, steady, and healing presence in those days that allowed them to pick up the pieces and move forward again. His same presence is here today. Because of the resurrection, we believe that Dylan lives in Jesus. Strengthened by that faith, you, his family and friends, will find the grace, day by day, to rebuild your lives.
After what you all have been through in the past week there is a need for healing. nd so today we pray, earnestly and sincerely, that the healing spirit of Jesus may infuse your hearts and minds and bring you his peace. Christ is with you and with this heartbroken community. In the Mass, in our prayers, in every small act of love and support, His healing Spirit is at work.
And so, I pray Lord Jesus, risen and compassionate saviour, hold Dylan in Your embrace. Surround Thomas, Denise, Lauren, Jessica, Sarah, Granny Sheila, and all who grieve with Your peace. On this feast of the Presentation of Mary, and in this church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, we pray that Mary will intercede for you so that you may have strength and courage for the time ahead. We pray in hope that one day we all be reunited with those whom we love in God’s eternal Kingdom.
Amen
Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh