Greg Daly
Martyrs are a source of inspiration for Christians who are being called to “stand up for their Faith” in times of adversity, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said.
Speaking about the unveiling of the St Oliver Plunkett statue in honour of martyrs in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, Dr Martin told The Irish Catholic that the saint was “a man of courage and witness”, adding that he was unafraid to teach the Gospel at a very difficult time.
The seven-foot high statue depicts St Oliver at the moment of his martyrdom, and has been cast in bronze by Dublin-sculptor Dony MacManus.
“So Dony McManus in the statue has tried to create a kind of moment where you look at the statue of St Oliver Plunkett and in many ways you also see the face of Christ. You see somebody who showed no greater love – he laid down his life for his sheep,” the Primate of All Ireland said, adding that he sees the statue as honouring all Christian martyrs.