Dublin’s new Archbishop Dermot Farrell speaks of his priorities for the Archdiocese and his appointment at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has affected so many lives across Ireland.
By Lydia O’Kane
The new Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, was installed at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Ireland’s capital on Tuesday morning.
The main celebrant was Archbishop Farrell, who was accompanied by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio in Ireland.
The former Bishop of Ossory, in the east of Ireland, takes over from the archdiocese amid a global pandemic in which Ireland has seen an increase in the number of cases – and tragically, in the number of victims.
He also takes up this role as the Church in Ireland faces a number of challenges, including a decline in callings, older priests, a decline in mass attendance, and an increasingly secular country.
In an extensive interview with Vatican Radio prior to his installation, Archbishop Farrell discussed many of these issues and outlined his main priorities as head of the archdiocese.
He began with his surprise at his appointment as Archbishop of Dublin.
“No one was more surprised when I was asked by Pope Francis to move to Dublin. It was a little surreal then, but when I was asked, I said it is something Pope Francis wants and it is part of a discernment process, ”he said.
Current Challenges
A decline in callings and a corresponding increase in the number of older priests are just some of the challenges facing the Church in Ireland today. When asked if he found these challenges daunting, the Archbishop said that there are indeed challenges in the Archdiocese and in the country as a whole, but they can also be viewed as opportunities.
“It could be a driver to drive a particular reform that is somewhat overdue in terms of the number of churches and parishes we have because, for example, there are major changes in parts of the Archdiocese where you now have a fairly low Catholic population. , “he explained.” There is an opportunity out there, he added, to be a missionary church, and “any planning for the future should describe the steps and stages required to develop ways to make contact. ”The Archbishop also noted that the pandemic had accelerated rather than caused the challenges.
Main priorities
In setting out his main priorities for the Archdiocese, Archbishop Farrell stressed that evangelism should be one of the most important areas in parishes. Faith must be “a living faith in these communities,” he said.
The Archbishop also pointed out that younger generations – those under 50 – are increasingly reluctant to be part of parishes and faith-based groups. “When that happens, several generations will become detached from the faith.” However, he said there is an opportunity for young parents to reconnect with the faith when their children begin to receive the sacraments, and it is important that the Church is there for those who have a cultural connection to the faith, rather of a dedication. .
Security
Archbishop Farrell described the issue of protection in the Irish Church, especially in Dublin, and described his predecessor’s leadership as “courageous.” Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, he said, “entered Dublin at a very difficult time … he set up very good structures in the diocese.”
The new Archbishop stressed that under his leadership child protection will remain a focal point, saying that “complacency is often the killer when it comes to protection … because people forget it over time.” He went on to say that the abuse that has taken place in the past should never happen again.
Mother and baby houses
Just over two weeks ago, an Irish Commission of Inquiry published a new report on Mother and Baby Homes in the Republic of Ireland, which found that from the 1920s to the 1990s thousands of babies died in these homes, which were mainly run by the Catholic church. .
Of the findings, Archbishop Farrell said, “It helped to shed light on what happened to vulnerable women and children within the walls of those houses, as well as outside the walls of those houses.” He also underlined that those responsible should be held accountable.
“The religious orders and some individuals somehow failed to reflect the gospel values that we embrace and we are still taking over,” and at the end of the day, “we lost the gift of the child out of sight, ”he said.
He described how “some of the life of faith had become barren in these places, and many lived in the shadow of what might be described at best as some sort of very dark world or gray world. And that is a different life from the life that we recognize as the full life of God that is offered to every person – man, woman, and child – who is made in the image and likeness of God.
Covid pandemic
Like many other countries, Ireland is fighting the coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks, this island state has seen a significant spike in cases and deaths from the virus, leading to a total lockdown with only essential stores open and church services back online.
The Archbishop said, “What the pandemic has brought us is the value of life in all its stages from start to finish.” He also acknowledged the suffering of many people who have lost loved ones and who cannot even visit patients in the hospital due to current limitations.
Hopes for Dublin
When asked what kind of Dublin he would like to see, Archbishop Farrell said that, from an ecclesiastical point of view, he would like to see a parish renewal supported by hope and joy.
He also spoke of the importance of “good liturgy”, which can uplift people. Another area that the Archbishop drew attention to was callings, which he said needed to be expanded, along with the drive to involve lay people more.
“Sometimes we forget that there are many women, laity, religious women who are a necessary and living part of the living Church. So we need to employ all these people who are willing to join in the parish and create the opportunities for them to join. “
This article has been updated