Monsignor Connolly welcomes 'visitation of seminaries'

Monsignor Hugh Connolly welcomed the announcement of a visitation of seminaries along with the Apostolic Visitation of Dioceses and Religious Congregations

Responding to the Holy Father’s recent Pastoral Letter to the people of Ireland the President, Msgr Hugh Connolly welcomed the announcement of a visitation of seminaries along with the Apostolic Visitation of Dioceses and Religious Congregations.  Noting the Holy Father’s observation that the visitation is “intended to assist the local Church on her path of renewal” Msgr Connolly said this will be a privileged time when our seminary community will have the opportunity to share our daily lives with the Holy Father’s personally appointed representatives so that together we might discern how best, in Pope Benedict’s own words, “to make reparation for the sins of abuse” and together strive toward a “renewed strength and deeper sense of mission on the part of all”.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

Prayer for the Church in Ireland

God of our fathers,
renew us in the faith which is our life and salvation,
the hope which promises forgiveness and interior renewal,
the charity which purifies and opens our hearts
to love you, and in you, each of our brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus Christ,
may the Church in Ireland renew her age-old commitment
to the education of our young people in the way of truth and goodness,
holiness and generous service to society.

Holy Spirit, comforter, advocate and guide,
inspire a new springtime of holiness and apostolic zeal
for the Church in Ireland.

May our sorrow and our tears,
our sincere effort to redress past wrongs,
and our firm purpose of amendment
bear an abundant harvest of grace
for the deepening of the faith
in our families, parishes, schools and communities,
for the spiritual progress of Irish society,
and the growth of charity, justice, joy and peace
within the whole human family.

To you, Triune God,
confident in the loving protection of Mary,
Queen of Ireland, our Mother,
and of Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid and all the saints,
do we entrust ourselves, our children,
and the needs of the Church in Ireland.

Amen