“The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has granted my request for retirement as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh on the grounds of my ill health.  I am very grateful to Pope Benedict for doing so especially at this momentous time in his own life and ministry.

“My decision to retire as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh is based on medical advice which I have been receiving since last August.  It is with great sadness that I come to today’s decision: having grown up locally in the diocese – born in the parish of Lordship & Ballymascanlon in 1941 – and as priest and auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Armagh, I have received great warmth and affection throughout my ministry from the people of the diocese.  I thank them for their support in my 21 years as Auxiliary Bishop.

“At this time I wish to pay tribute to Cardinal Seán Brady and to the priests of the Archdiocese of Armagh.  Cardinal Brady has been a model episcopal colleague; his humanity, deep faith and natural humility bear witness to the most fundamental of Gospel values.

“Whilst the pastoral work and responsibilities of being bishop and priest in twenty-first century Ireland are both challenging and complex, it is nonetheless a deeply rewarding vocation for anyone called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  I also take this opportunity to pray God’s strength and guidance for all priests and members of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, in their ministries of proclaiming God’s Kingdom.

“I look forward to continuing my pastoral work in collaboration and with the support of the bishops, priests and lay people of the Archdiocese.  As I take on a different role I will continue, God willing, to promote and foster the Gospel message in its fullness.  I ask that you remember me in your prayers today and in the future.”

26 February 2013

ENDS

National University of Ireland, Maynooth Chamber Choir Concert

The NUI Maynooth Chamber Choir willperform their pre North American Tour Concert in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh on Friday 1 March at 8.00pm with a pre-concert reception at 7.30pm in the Synod Hall.

Six special evenings have been organised by the Parish Pastoral Council to help celebrate this Year of Faith. They’ll take place on each of the Wednesday evenings of Lent in St Malachy’s Church, when a guest speaker will join for the evening Mass. On Ash Wednesday evening, the guest speaker will be Fr Mark Ephram, the religious superior in the Benedictine Monastery in Rostrevor and their community works hard to promote peace and reconciliation between people from the different Churches and he will speak on Lent: A time to repent and be renewed in faith. We encourage people to make  a special effort to attend on each of the evenings. A choir will also be present and there will be an opportunity for people to submit prayer requests and intentions which will be remembered on each of the six evenings. More details can be found in the leaflets at the back of the church and on the parish website.

Wednesday 13 February
Lent: A time to repent and be renewed in our faith
Guest Speaker: Dom Mark Ephram M Nolan OSB

Wednesday 20 February
The faith journey invites us to be reconciled with one another
Guest Speaker:  Baroness Nuala O’Loan

Wednesday 27 February
The challenge of living our faith as a Christian community
Guest Speaker: Dr Ruth Patterson

Wednesday 6 March
Faith and justice  – the challenge to reach out to those in need
Guest Speaker: Mary Sweeney (Trocaire)

Wednesday 13 March
Service to one another is at the heart of our faith
Guest Speaker:  Sr Veronica Mangan

Wednesday 20 March
Faith as a source of healing and joy
Guest Speaker: Fr Derek Ryan (Redemptorist)

Friday 8 March – Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral | 8.00pm | £15.00

Join internationally renowned singing sensations ‘The Priests’ as they return to the spectacular setting of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for an evening of classical and sacred music.
Fathers Eugene and Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy will lead a classical music ensemble of beautiful and uplifting music featuring inspirational pieces such as ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Ave Maria’.   Accompanying The Priests will be a full orchestra.

The Priests have been singing together since they were pupils at St MacNissi’s College, County Antrim.  After signing a record deal in 2008, the priests recorded their debut platinum-selling album in Northern Ireland and Rome, with the unusual honour of having been allowed to record in St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican. Since 2008, the trio have enjoyed success around the world.

Tickets available from The Market Place Theatre
www.marketplacearmagh.com
Box Office: 028 3752 1821

Statement by Cardinal Seán Brady on the announcement today by Pope Benedict XVI of his resignation

Today is an historic day. Pope Benedict has resigned in circumstances of his own choosing. While it is a shock to me, we can be certain that Pope Benedict has made this decision after very careful and prayerful reflection. I think it is significant that he has chosen to make this announcement on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady always points us to her Son. In his statement today Pope Benedict pointed us to Christ as the Supreme Pastor of the Church.

His announcement today echoes his words on the day he was elected Pope. Then he described himself as a humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord. With typical humility, courage and love for the Church he has clearly come to the view that the Lord now wants him to use his remaining physical and spiritual energies by serving the Church in prayer. I think this is a profound act of humility, a conscientious and responsible decision to hand over the ministry of the successor of Saint Peter in a time of great challenge for the Church and for faith in the modern world.

With all people of good will, I ask the Lord to bless Pope Benedict as he prepares for retirement and to give him many years to serve the Church with his dedicated prayer. On behalf of the Catholic Church in Ireland, with my fellow Bishops, I thank him for his generous service of the Universal Church and for the great love and concern he has always shown for the Church in Ireland.

I ask people to pray also for those who will have responsibility for electing his successor.