Ara Coeli
Cathedral Road
ARMAGH BT61 7QY
Tel (028) 3752 2045
Fax (028) 3752 6182
Email: [email protected]
Administrative Staff:
Mrs Caroline Hicks
[email protected]
Mrs Donna Gray
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Mrs Kathy Lennon
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Chancellor:
Very Rev Michael Toner PP
[email protected]
Assistant Chancellor:
Rev Paul Murphy
[email protected]
Diocesan Secretary:
Rev Colm Hagan
[email protected]
Financial Administrator:
Mrs Brenda O’Hare
[email protected]
Media Queries:
Mr Martin Long – Tel: 01 5053010
Mobile: 086 1727 678
[email protected]
Your Wedding: A Guide to Getting Married in the Catholic Church
A new edition of this popular marriage preparation book. This beautifully designed book contains everything a couple needs for planning their wedding today.
Book can be found on www.redcoms.org
A baby’s baptism is a key event in the spiritual life of a child. This book ensures that parents, family and the parish celebrate it with great joy.
Books can be found on www.redcoms.org
Click the following link to view all details.
HOD DAY JUNE 2013
“The right to life is such a natural and inviolable right that no individual, no majority and no State can ever create, modify or destroy it … None of us can leave our faith outside the room when we are considering these matters” – Archbishop Martin
Background
Archbishop Eamon Martin was invited to deliver the closing address this evening at the novena in the parish of Saint Patrick, Roden Place, Dundalk, in the Archdiocese of Armagh, on the theme; “The Eucharist, Communion with Christ and with one another”. Please see text below:
Address
Not long before he died, Pope John Paul told the young people in Rome, ‘There is no authentic celebration or adoration of the Eucharist that does not lead to mission’. In a world where human life itself is under attack, we have a particular and critical mission. The other day a member of the Apostolate of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration told me – I am offering up my holy hour each week before the Blessed Sacrament so that, even at this late stage, the government may have a change of heart and not introduce legislation for abortion into our country. The organisation ‘Precious Life’ is calling on all of us to offer forty days of prayer and fasting from the 12 May for the protection of unborn children in this country. I support these initiatives, because if we are in ‘communion’ with Christ, the Bread of Life, at Mass or during adoration, then we are also ‘commissioned’ to bring the Good News about Life out there into our community. How can we be in communion with the Bread of Life at Mass or here tonight and not speak the ‘Gospel of Life’ in our daily lives, especially these days when unborn human life is under such a direct threat in our country?
We are being asked to accept that in order to protect life we can directly and intentionally take a life – that in order to save the life of a mother it is sometimes permissible to directly and intentionally target the life of an innocent unborn child in the womb. We are being asked to accept that if a woman is in crisis because of her pregnancy and feels suicidal, then sometimes the right thing to do for her in the long term is to take the life of her unborn child. Legislation is being proposed which will make it legal in this country to directly and intentionally take the life of an unborn child in order to save the life of a mother. Such direct and intentional taking of any human life is gravely immoral. It strikes at the very heart of our faith and belief because it directly targets human life which is sacred and a gift from God. The right to life is such a natural and inviolable right that no individual, no majority and no State can ever create, modify or destroy it.
How can it be argued that it is for the ‘public good’ to legislate for the direct and intentional taking of human life? How can it be claimed that this is the will of the Irish people who had enshrined in the Constitution the protection of the life of both a mother and her unborn child?
A massive effort is being made to produce legislation together with the systems necessary to make it happen. If a similar effort was redirected towards establishing with the relevant professional bodies clear medical guidelines together with robust support structures for medical personnel, towards supporting mothers who have very real anxieties or fears about their pregnancy, towards improving professional development, training and support structures for doctors, nurses and other professionals who are faced with these complex and very difficult dilemmas on the ground, then it is still possible to preserve Ireland’s reputation as one of the safest places in the world for mothers and babies during pregnancy.
None of us can leave our faith ‘outside the room’ when we are considering these matters. Those final words at Mass call us to go and announce the Gospel of the Lord, to go and glorify the Lord with our lives. We cannot separate our communion with Christ in the Eucharist from the call to mission and evangelisation. We must face the challenge of putting faith into practice in our lives, and have the courage to follow our informed conscience, no matter what the consequences might be. And in this vital case our conscience has to be informed by our communion with the Bread of Life, by the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’, and by the fundamental Christian belief in the sacredness of all human life.
My brothers and sisters, the notion of the Eucharist as ‘communion’ is not some kind of cosy comfort blanket to make us feel all warm and wrapped up in ourselves in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a call to personal conversion and to change in the way we live our lives and how we organise our communities. The Eucharist has the power to change us and, through us, to change the people we meet and even to change society. It unites us with Christ in the most profound way and that communion has the power to transform us, and to make a real difference in the world.
We gather before the Blessed Sacrament on this final evening of the Novena in honour of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Pope Francis said the other day, ‘in this moment of profound communion in Christ, we (also) feel the spiritual presence of the Virgin Mary alive in our midst, a maternal presence, a familiar presence’. Mary is the Mother of Life, she selflessly gave her body, gave everything to carry in her womb Jesus the Saviour of the world. And Jesus in turn, selflessly gave his body and blood as atonement for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. May Mary mother of the Church, mother of all mankind be with us in our hour of need. And may she, most clement, most loving, most sweet Virgin Mary, show us the blessed fruit of her womb, and open our minds afresh to the great mystery of Christ’s presence among us in the Eucharist – our communion with Christ and with one another.
Panis Angelicus fit Panis hominum. O res mirabilis. The bread of angels becomes the bread for all mankind. What a wonderful thing!
Eamon Columba Martin was born in Derry in 1961; his late parents, Catherine Crossan and John James Martin were both from Inishowen in Donegal and his grandparents came from Counties Donegal and Fermanagh. He has six sisters and five brothers.
Eamon went to St Patrick’s Primary School and St Columb’s College, Derry where he developed a great interest in singing and later playing the trombone! He proceeded to study for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth during which time he took degrees in Mathematical Science and Theology. During his seminary training he was a senior cantor and leading member of the seminary choir – in his final year he was Acting Director of Sacred Music in Maynooth. His postgraduate studies were at Queen’s University Belfast, the Institute of Education in London and the University of Cambridge.
After ordination on 28th June 1987, Fr Eamon was appointed to Templemore Parish in Derry City, serving as curate at St Eugene’s Cathedral. In 1990 he went to teach Mathematics and Religion at his old school, St Columb’s College. He became Head of Religious Education in 1997 and eventually President (Principal) of the College, a post he held for eight years.
After leaving St Columb’s in 2008, Fr Eamon was appointed Executive Secretary of the Irish Bishops’ Conference but he returned to his native diocese as Vicar General just over two years later. Also in 2010 he was appointed Chaplain to His Holiness. Upon the retirement of Bishop Séamus Hegarty, Monsignor Eamon was elected as Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Derry.
On 18 January 2013 it was announced that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI had appointed Monsignor Eamon as Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh. He was ordained Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh on 21 April 2013 in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and on the retirement of Cardinal Seán Brady, succeeded as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland on 8 September 2014. To mark the occasion a Mass, to ask God’s Blessing on Archbishop Eamon and on the People of the diocese, was celebrated on 7 October 2014.
Archbishop Eamon was elected President of the Irish Episcopal Conference in October 2014 . He also serves as Chairman of the Council for Communications of the Conference. In April 2019, in addition to his duties in Armagh, he was appointed by Pope Francis as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore.
Contact Detail
Ara Coeli, Cathedral Road, Armagh, BT61 7QY
Tel: (028) 3752 2045
Fax: (028) 3752 6182
Click here to access Tweets by @ArchbishopEamon
The lamb standing on the altar, looking directly at us, with the background of the cross, reminds us of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice (CCC 1367).
The standing lamb, often referred to in the Book of Revelation, is an image of hope. It represents that, by his resurrection, the innocent Christ won victory over evil and death. Witnesses to the apparition of Our Lady at Knock also described seeing a lamb, standing on the altar, in front of a cross.
The blue colour of the shield and the cross fleury (with arms endings in the fleurs-de lys) are in honour of Mary, the Mother of God.
The two sprigs of oak leaves and acorns represent Derry, Doire Cholmcille where Archbishop Eamon was born and grew up.
The motto Cantate Canticum Novum occurs many times in the Bible in its fuller form: Cantate Domino Canticum Novum (Sing a new song to the Lord) e.g. Psalm 96:1; Psalm 98:1; Isaiah 42:10; Rev 5:9; 14:3. It represents a call to personal conversion and to a closer relationship with Jesus in our own lives. It also signals that this is a time of hope and renewal for the Church.
Click here to download a printable sheet about the Archbishops Coat of Arms
The Armagh Parish Youth Group called J.O.Y. are holding a Youth Mass for young people on Sunday 5th May in Armagh Cathedral at 5.30pm.
This Mass will have young people as it’s focus and it will be an evening were we can celebrate our faith with each other.
After Mass we will continue our celebration with refreshments in the Synod Hall. Everyone welcome
https://www.facebook.com/events/463676753705902/
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh Sunday 21 April, 2013 Good Shepherd Sunday and 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations
St Augustine once spoke of the baptised as ‘new’ people, people ‘who have learned a new song!’ Today, with great joy, the diocese of Armagh gathers with you, Monsignor Eamon, in the words of your chosen motto, to “Sing a new song’ to the Lord”. We come to offer you our support, friendship, and prayers as you answer the call to come, among us and for us, as our Bishop.
This call has its origins in Baptism. In Baptism, at the request of your parents, you were given new birth by water and the Holy Spirit. We thank God for the faith and generosity they nurtured in you. Today, I thank your mother, Catherine and your late father John James for bringing you to the waters of Baptism, the fountain of life, from which your vocation as a priest, and now as a Bishop, had its source.
We also thank and congratulate your brothers and sisters, your family and friends and the clergy and people of Derry Diocese. They too played a part shaping, perhaps even sometimes testing and challenging that baptismal faith. We thank them for, in your own words, ‘keeping your feet firmly on the ground’. We all need friends who challenge us to become more like Christ, and to practise the high ideals of the Gospel we proclaim.
Today that Gospel sets before us the example of Christ, the good and gentle shepherd who makes the fantastic promise – “I will give them eternal life. They will never be lost”.
The words of Monsignor Eamon’s motto evoke the memory of another shepherd. King David was the young shepherd, called by God, to become the leader of his people through some of the most difficult spiritual, economic and political times in Israel’s history. Like you, Eamon, King David had a great love for music. In several of the psalms he invites the people to join him in singing a new song to the Lord.
King David was one of the greatest leaders in the history of Israel and yet he was regularly confronted by his own weakness and sinfulness. He was often tempted to be self-centred and to forget that we are here to serve, not to be served. One of his greatest qualities, however, was the ability to honestly say,
‘Be merciful to me, O God.
Because of your constant love.
Because of your great mercy
Wipe away my sins’ (Ps 51, 1-2)
As Pope Francis reminded us recently, ‘authentic power is service’ a service which has its ‘radiant culmination on the Cross’. For a heart that is touched by the Cross of Christ, is a heart that is always drawn to service of others. It is the heart of the Good Shepherd who desires that not even one of those, entrusted to his care, should be lost. It is a heart that embraces, with tender affection everyone, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important.
Eamon, in your role as a teacher, then as Principal of St Columb’s College in Derry, in your work as Executive Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference, and most recently in your role as Vicar General and Administrator of the Derry Diocese you have gained invaluable experience for the task ahead. In each of these roles you have generously and tirelessly placed your great gifts of leadership and administration at the service of the Gospel and the people to whom you were sent. You have fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel of life, promoted peace, safeguarded the weak and the abused, the unborn and the vulnerable, and upheld the cause of Catholic education.
Today the Lord calls you to a new place and different pasture. Today the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred upon you. Today you are being called to take the place of Christ himself – teacher, shepherd and priest, in a leading and visible manner and to act as his representative. That is not, and never has been, an easy task. If it were going to be easy why, right at the beginning, did Jesus feel it necessary to tell his disciples: The world will make you suffer but be brave. I have overcome the world.
If it were going to be easy, why was everything Paul said contradicted at Antioch and why were he and Barnabas expelled from that territory. Yet, against all the odds, and despite all the opposition, the Word of God spread through the whole country and the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13: 45, 50).
The Word of God spread simply because things were going according to plan – God’s plan. Yes, that plan involved the death of Jesus – but more importantly, it involved the resurrection of Jesus and the revelation of His glory, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In all that lies ahead I can assure you of the outstanding faith, generosity, support and loyalty of the clergy, lay faithful, religious men and women and seminarians of this, the See of Patrick. I want to assure you of my own personal closeness and support.
The Episcopal ordination of Bishop Gerard Clifford took place on this day twenty-two (22) years ago today. I want to thank him especially for those twenty-two years of devoted and generous service and to wish him a speedy recovery to total good health.
Today is World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. It has, as it theme: Vocations as a Sign of Hope founded in Faith. The greatest sign of hope is the loving power of God the Father and of His Son, Jesus – present and active in our lives. No matter what happens – however disastrous, no-one can ever snatch his followers away from Jesus. Christ has risen. He has overcome every adversity. Moreover, he knows us. In the eyes of Jesus, in the love of his heart, no-one is without a name. But it is necessary to follow, to listen to his voice and to be numbered among his flock.
My hope is that someone listening to me here today or watching on the internet will be inspired to become a herald of hope to the world – by giving themselves unconditionally in the service of love as a priest, religious sister or brother.
The symbol on Monsignor Eamon’s crest is the Lamb, standing in front of the Cross in the glory in Heaven. In his first homily as Pope, Pope Francis urged his listeners to seek that glory with all their might. In the Book of Revelations we are told that the Lamb will be the shepherd of all and will lead them to living springs of water. God will wipe away all tears on that day. Please God, on that day also, we too will bow down before the Lamb, and join the elders with harps and we too will ‘sing a new song to the Lord’.
AMEN
Archbishop Eamon’s Coat of Arms
Cardinal Brady’s Homily from the Episcopal Ordination Ceremony
Commentry by Rev Paul Clayton-Lea at the Episcopal Ordination Ceremony
The Apostolic Letter from Pope Benedict XVI
Photographs from the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Eamon Martin
Eamon Martin Ordained Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepherd Sunday
21 April 2013
The bells of St Patrick’s Cathedral rang out in joy today for the celebration for the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor Eamon Martin as Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh and successor of St Patrick. The chief-celebrant was Cardinal Seán Brady and the co-consecrators were Archbishop Charles Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio and Bishop Gerard Clifford, Auxiliary Bishop-Emeritus of Armagh.
34 archbishops and bishops concelebrated Mass along with over 300 priests. These included the Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland; The Archbishop of Westminster, Archbishop Vincent Nichols; The Archbishop Emeritus of Glasgow, Archbishop Mario Conti; The Diocesan Administrator of Kildare and Leighin Diocese, Monsignor PJ Byrne; The President of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Monsignor Hugh Connelly; The Director of Formation of the Irish College, Rome, Rev Hugh Clifford; The Abbots of Mellifont Abbey, Dom Joseph, and Portnaglone Abbey, Dom Celsus; The Canons of the Metropolitan Chapter of Armagh Archdiocese; Classmates of Archbishop Eamon; Representatives of the priests of Armagh Archdiocese, (including the Vicar General, members of the Senate of Priests, College of Consulters, Vicars Forane), Administrator of St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh; Administrator of St Patrick’s Parish, Dundalk; Secretary to the HE The Papal Nuncio, Monsignor Serrano and Executive Secretary to the Irish Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Dullea. Over 100 priests of the Archdiocese of Armagh, 60 priests from the Derry Diocese, the Vicars General of the Suffragan Diocese and many Religious and visiting clergy also concelebrated the Episcopal Ordination Mass.
Seated in the front row at the celebration was Archbishop Eamon’s mother Catherine. His six sisters and five brothers, along with many of his relations and friends travelled from near and far to be part of the celebration.
There was a strong ecumenical presence at the Ordination Mass with the attendance of the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, Most Rev Richard Clarke, Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton, Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and Rev Ian D Henderson, Methodist Church in Ireland. Many local representatives of other Christian communities were also present.
Among the congregation were civic representatives including Col Brendan McAndrew, Aide de Camp, Uachtarán na hEireann, Mr Michael Tracey, Aide de Camp, Taoiseach, The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr Martin McGuinness, MLA, Deputy First Minister, Sharon Haughey-Grimley, Lord Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, representatives of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, Derry City Council, Newry and Mourne District Council and Louth County Council. Others in attendance included Mr John Hume; Baroness O’Loan; Mr David Cooney, Irish Ambassador to the Holy See; Mr David Ford; representatives from the world of sport; Mr Justin Kilcullen, CEO Trocaire.
During the Episcopal Ordination Mass, the 1st Reading was read by Joseph Martin, a brother of Archbishop Eamon. The Psalm was sung by Marie-Thérese Devins, a sister of Archbishop Eamon. The 2nd Reading was read in Irish by Monica Gribben, a native of the parish of Armagh. A Deacon, Rev Paul Murphy, who will be ordained for the Archdiocese of Armagh this coming June, proclaimed the Gospel. Also assisting at the altar was Rev Micheal McGavigan, a deacon for the Derry Diocese. Serving the Mass were students from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Irish College Rome and the Neo-Cathechumenal Way. Severs from St Patrick’s Cathedral also assisted at the altar. Archbishop Eamon’s Archbishop Eamon’s Episcopal Ring, Mitre and Crozier are brought forward by members of his family and his friends: Mitre: Nóirín Boucher; Crozier: Martin McDaid; Episcopal Ring: Rosemary McDaid. The gifts at the offertory were carried forward by Ludivine Martin (Niece and God-child of Archbishop Eamon); Christopher Duggan (Nephew and God-Child of Archbishop Eamon) Lara and Garry Trainor (A couple who were recently married in the Cathedral). The Choir was the St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir under the direction of Mr Colm Murphy and the organist was Mr Philip Elliott and the assistant-organist was Mr James Murphy.
Archbishop Eamon was one of the last Bishops to be appointed during the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI and one of the first to be ordained during the papacy of Pope Francis.
In attendance at the ceremony were 1300 guests. Every parish in the Archdiocese was represented. Also present were members from many of the apostolic groups, pastoral councils and diocesan commissions that make the Archdiocese of Armagh a vibrant well-spring of faith. During the ceremony, Archbishop Eamon greeted representatives of the laity, religious and clergy of the Archdiocese. These included Sharon Haughey-Grimley, Lord Mayor of Armagh; Finan McCoy, Chairman of Louth County Council; Sr Mairead Gorman MMM, Drogheda; Sr Kathleen Friel, SSCJ, Armagh; Br Ronan Lynch, OH, Drumcar; Pearse O’Hanrahan, Chairman, Diocesan Pastoral Council; Liz Maloney, Legion of Mary; Elaine O’Neill, Catechist; Lynette and Bosco McShane, Youth Ministry; Ignatius Donnelly, Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage; Stella Mallon, Pioneer Association; Orlagh Dynes, St Vincent de Paul; Benignus Ndubuisi, Candidate for the Permanent Diaconate; Fr Ryan McAleer, CC Dungannon; Fr Brian White, CC Haggardstown and Blackrock.
The Ordination Mass was streamed live on the diocesan website www.archdioceseofarmagh.com and on rte.ie.
To watch the Ordination Mass again, click here.
Flyer attached with more information about a workshop being held in the Armagh Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Dundalk on Wednesday 1st May, 6.30pm – 9pm.
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