150th Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh

Today in the Archdiocese of Armagh, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first dedication of St Patrick’s Cathedral which took place on 24 August 1873.

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ARMAGH
EFFECTIVE 9 SEPTEMBER 2023

Archbishop Eamon Martin announces the following clergy appointments for the Archdiocese of Armagh, effective 9 September 2023.

Archbishop Eamon thanks the priests and deacons of the Archdiocese for their continued ministry and service, and wishes well those who are taking up these new appointments. He also thanks the people of the Archdiocese of Armagh for their ongoing prayers and support of their clergy. He encourages them to welcome their new pastors in the coming weeks.

Rt Rev Archdeacon James Carroll PP, EV, Togher, to retire

V Rev John Fox PP, Newbridge, to retire

V Rev Michael Murtagh, PP, Dunleer, to be PE, AP, Holy Family, Dundalk

V Rev Seán O’Neill, PP, Termonmaguirc, to be PP, Keady & Derrynoose

V Rev John Gates, PP, Magherafelt, also to be Adm, Newbridge

V Rev Peter McAnenly, Adm, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh, to be PP, Termonmaguirc

V Rev Patrick Rushe, PP, VF, Monasterboice, also to be Adm, Togher

V Rev Paul Montague, PP, Tallanstown, to be PE, AP, Tallanstown

V Rev Anselm Emechebe, MSP, PP, Kilsaran, also to be Adm, Tallanstown

V Rev John McKeever, PP, VF, Keady & Derrynoose, to pursue doctoral studies in Rome

V Rev Mark O’Hagan, PP, VF, St Patrick’s, and Adm Holy Redeemer, Dundalk, also to be Adm, Holy Family, Dundalk

Fr Paul Murphy, CC, Kilmore, and Assistant in Drumcree Parish, serving in the Armagh Inter-Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, also to be Administrator of the Armagh Inter-Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and Assistant Diocesan Chancellor

Rev Maciej Zacharek, CC, St Patrick’s, and Holy Redeemer, Dundalk, to serve in the Diocese of Dromore

Rev Damien Quigley, CC, Middle Killeavy, to be PP, Dunleer

Rev Barry Matthews, CC, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh, to be Adm, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh

Rev Callum Young to be CC, St Patrick’s, Holy Redeemer, and Holy Family, Dundalk, while continuing as Assistant to the Rector, Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary, Dundalk

Rev David Nugent, on loan from the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, France, to be CC, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh

Rev Pius Ekpe, MSP, on loan from the Missionary Society of St Paul of Nigeria, to be CC, Togher and Monasterboice

Rev Saji Ponminissery Dhumani, on loan from the Diocese of Irinjalakuda, India, to be CC, Middle Killeavy

Rev Carlos Esteban Rojo, newly-ordained, to serve in the Diocese of Dromore

22 July 2023

The death has taken place of Fr Peter (Bernard) Thorne OSM

May he Rest in Peace

The death has taken place on Monday 17th July 2023 , of Fr Peter (Bernard) OSM, Benburb Priory in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.  Fr Peter, formerly of The Servite Priory, Benburb, Co. Tyrone, died unexpectedly at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, surrounded by his family.

Fr. Peter, beloved son of the late Henry and Catherine. Predeceased by his sister Patricia, brothers Michael and Jim, brothers-in-law Jimmy and George and sister-in-law Bernadette.  

Archbishop Eamon extends his sympathy and that of Cardinal Seán, Bishop Michael, the clergy and people of the Archdiocese to Fr Peter’s brothers John and Harry and sister Mary (Rogers), sisters-in-law Nuala, Mary O and Mary C, aunt Agnes, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, his fellow brothers of the Province of the Isles and all the Servite family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Fr Peter’s remains will repose at the family home, Moore Park, Ardee (Eircode A92 K35D) on Friday from 3pm until 8pm. Removal on Saturday morning at 11.15am to the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Ardee, arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Ballapousta Cemetery.

The funeral Mass can be viewed  live at: 

https://churchmedia.tv/church-of-the-nativity-of-our-lady.  

Archdiocese of Armagh

The Archdiocese of Armagh seeks to appoint a highly motivated and talented professional, to undertake the role of Diocesan Finance Assistant.

This is an administration post providing support to the Finance Manager.  Job holder will be responsible for performing a variety of accounting and administrative duties to ensure delivery of accurate and timely financial information and reporting and must maintain confidential records and provide support ensuring that the integrity and security of the Finance and Administration is maintained.

Starting salary: Commensurate with experience.

Click Here for Role Specification

If interested in making an application for this position, please apply by letter enclosing a current CV outlining experience and qualifications to date and clearly stating your suitability for the role.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 7th July 2023 at 5pm.

St Patrick’s Archdiocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The Northern Bishops, speaking today at the Summer General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference in Maynooth, voiced their grave concern at the decision in recent days of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton Harris MP, to lay regulations in the Westminster Parliament making it compulsory on all second level schools in Northern Ireland to teach children about access to abortion and prevention of early pregnancy.

Bishops said, “Having already imposed some of the most radical abortion laws in the world on the people of Northern Ireland, without their consent, the Secretary of State now seems determined to impose an ideologically biased view of abortion on all schools, irrespective of parental rights or school ethos. This is radical legislation the British Government doesn’t even impose on schools in Britain, where the right of parents to be involved in decisions about such ethical and pastoral issues is fully respected. There is no such thing as a neutral view on abortion. There is no such thing as a value-free or ethically neutral approach to the question of when life begins and when we have a duty to protect and care for all human life. These are matters subject to sincerely held differences of opinion across the world. It is not for a Government to impose one ideological approach on children, parents or on our schools, over others. This is why the right of parents to an education for their children that is an accordance with their ethical, religious and philosophical convictions, is an internationally recognised human right. It prevents Governments from the kind of over-reach in relation to the rights and freedom of parents that this legislation represents. We call on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to respect the internationally recognised rights of parents, and the principles of consultation and devolution in the Good Friday Agreement, and to withdraw this legislation, leaving it to a devolved Assembly to decide, in consultation with parents and educational stakeholders.”

Bishops continued, “Like the recent so-called investigation of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission into RSE in schools, the Secretary of State is also indulging in a tired and frankly, offensive caricature of what our outstanding teachers are actually doing in our schools in this area. Today our Catholic Schools Trustees Service will be writing to those who carried out the recent NIHRC “Investigation” to express the Trustees’ serous concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the Report. Neither party took the trouble to engage with teachers in the classroom. At best, a limited paper-based exercise was undertaken which failed to recognise that in the reality of classroom teaching, teachers and schools are endeavouring to provide professional, ethically balanced, scientifically honest, and pastorally responsible age-appropriate Relationships and Sexuality formation in our schools. It is an education rooted in the building up of relationships of trust and openness in which every issue can be maturely, openly and honestly discussed. That is the approach of Catholic, and indeed of other schools where highly sensitive matters like abortion are discussed fully and openly and which enables our young people to be confident and compassionate with regard to all of the issues concerned.  The Secretary of State, and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, need to move away from their tendency to ideological colonisation in this area, and trust parents, teachers, young people and local politicians in Northern Ireland to balance the rights and responsibilities involved.”

Bishops concluded, “We call on all politicians in Northern Ireland, and those MPs in Westminster with a genuine commitment to the principles of pluralism, democracy and the right to devolved decisions in the Good Friday Agreement, to oppose the regulations in Westminster. We also encourage parents and teachers in schools in Northern Ireland to challenge the unjust presentation by the Secretary of State, and the NI Human Rights Commission, of the outstanding, ethically responsible and scientifically balanced work they are doing in our schools in regard to Relationships and Sexuality Education. Finally, we call on young people themselves to challenge the view that they are passive, uninformed and unable to engage confidently and maturely in open debate about all the issues raised in this important part of the school curriculum.”

+ Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, Apostolic Administrator of Dromore and Primate of All Ireland;

+ Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry and Apostolic Administrator of Down and Connor;

+ Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher;

+ Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh.

Remembering the Remarkable Life of Blessed Carlos Acutis

In a world where technology dominates our daily lives, it is truly inspiring to find someone who harnessed its power for a greater purpose. Blessed Carlos Acutis, a young Italian teenager, left an indelible mark on the world before his untimely passing at the age of 15. The relic of Blessed Carlos visits St. Patrick’s Cathedral from Sunday 11th June until Tuesday 13th June at 12 midday. 

Blessed Carlos Acutis Life

The Early Years: Carlos Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents. He grew up in Milan, Italy, where his family relocated when he was just a child. From a young age, Carlos displayed an extraordinary devotion to his Catholic faith. He attended Mass daily, regularly received the sacraments, and developed a deep love for the Eucharist.

A Technological Pioneer: Carlos possessed a keen interest in computers and technology. At the age of 9, he taught himself programming and web development, showcasing an incredible talent for coding. With his technical skills, he created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world. This website has become a significant resource for Catholics and serves as a testament to his commitment to spreading faith through technology.

Unwavering Faith: Despite his love for technology, Carlos never let it distract him from his faith. He once said, “To be always united with Jesus, this is my plan of life.” Carlos understood that technology could be a powerful tool for evangelization, and he used it to share his faith with others. He believed that the internet could be a means to bring people closer to God, and his website on Eucharistic miracles was just one example of his efforts.

A Life Cut Short: Tragically, Carlos Acutis was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006. Despite his illness, he faced his suffering with unwavering faith and acceptance, offering it up for the salvation of souls. Carlos passed away on October 12, 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire people of all ages.

Beatification and Canonization: Carlos’s extraordinary life and holiness did not go unnoticed. On October 10, 2020, he was beatified by Pope Francis, becoming the first millennial to be declared “Blessed” by the Catholic Church. His beatification highlights the significance of his witness, particularly for the younger generation, demonstrating that holiness is attainable even in our modern world.

Blessed Carlos Acutis exemplified a profound spirituality and a deep love for God that transcended his young age. His passion for the Eucharist, coupled with his technological expertise, made him a true pioneer in using digital platforms to share the Gospel. His beatification serves as a reminder to all of us that holiness knows no bounds and that we, too, can make a difference in the world, regardless of our age or circumstances. May the life of Blessed Carlos Acutis inspire us to use our talents and embrace our faith with fervor, spreading God’s love to all those around us.

Click Here to access photos from the visit of the relic.

The Archdiocese of Armagh has launched a special Fundraising Campaign to support the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. This is an important year in the history of the Cathedral as it marks 150 years since the original dedication by Archbishop McGettigan on 24^th August 1873.

Considerable resources are needed to maintain the character and preserve the heritage of the Cathedral, therefore, the fundraising campaign is now being launched throughout the Archdiocese of Armagh and beyond. People are being invited to become a regular donor as a “Friend of St Patrick’s Cathedral” or to make a one-off contribution to mark this 150^th year.

St Patrick’s Cathedral was completed at a time of deprivation and famine and involved great hardships and sacrifices by succeeding generations. The last major renovation to the Cathedral took place more than twenty years but in such a sizeable building, exposed to the elements, there are ongoing and essential maintenance requirements. Examples of immediate priorities include renovations to the eye-catching Cathedral steps and entrance precinct, addressing rainwater ingress at eaves levels, repairs and replacement of lightning conductors, and the refurbishment of the historic Cathedral organ.

Recently, Archbishop Eamon Martin said “Looking ahead, we aim to secure a regular support and enhancement income of at least £200,000 per annum for this unique building. We are conscious that this is a challenging time for fundraising, but as we emerge from the Covid pandemic, we move forward convinced that the people of today and tomorrow need more than ever the light of faith and hope.” He went on to say, “Join us as we preserve the treasured landmark and sacred space of St Patrick’s Cathedral, for generations to come and help us to ensure that our Cathedral remains a living centre of prayer, tranquillity, and renewal for the next 150 years and beyond”.

Further information about the Fundraising Campaign is available from Armagh Parish Office (028/048 37522813) or by emailing Caroline at [email protected]