Colm Fitzpatrick
The Pope in Ireland
Festival of Families
In an array of artistic displays, musical numbers, and family testimonies, a cross-generational audience of over 80,000 pilgrims shared and rejoiced in their Faith in the presence of Pope Francis at Croke Park.
Celebrating the Festival of Families in the stadium on a brisk Saturday night, the Pontiff arrived on the Popemobile and received thunderous applause and cheers from attendees as he drove through the crowds, waving and smiling.
Sitting on the stage, with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Cardinal Kevin Farrell on either side of him, Francis was treated to a range of Irish and international talent, firstly by the Riverdance troupe, as well as Daniel O’Donnell singing ‘Let Your Love Flow’, and a rendition of ‘Ave Maria’ by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Byrne.
Between performances, social justice groups and families spoke directly to the Pontiff, explaining the difficulties they have endured, such as Azeez Al-Kanah who recollected fleeing their home in Iraq after the Islamic State invaded their village.
Missy Collins of the Pavee Point Traveller group, told Francis of the struggles the Traveller community face in Ireland for recognition, and asked for further work to be done so that her community is respected. This serious testimony was followed by a light-hearted moment when 12-year-old Alison Nevin managed to snap a ‘selfie’ with the Pontiff after he gave her a blessing and some commemorative rosary beads.
When the performances ended, Francis opened his address to the crowds with the words “Dia diaobh”, and then spoke about the importance of the family, with an emphasis on parents baptising their children. He called the Church the “family of God” and said baptised children are stronger than those who aren’t, because it guarantees that they have the “strength of God within them”.
Alongside the topic of children, the role of grandparents also got a mention by Francis, who said that a “society that does not value grandparents is a society that has no future”, and that this generational disconnection leads to a lacuna of love.
Social media
A key theme the Pontiff focused on was the dangers of social media, stating that while technology had its own merit and could bring people together if used with “moderation and prudence”, it could also be responsible for “imprisoning us in a virtual reality and isolating us from the very relationships that challenge us to our full potential in communion with others”.
The Pope left shortly after 10pm, and told the crowd “see you tomorrow”, encouraging them to have a rest for the papal Mass in the Phoenix Park.