Priests’ ministry lives on long after them – archbishop

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has insisted that the ministry of the 19 priests of Dublin Diocese who died over the last years lives on in their parishes.

“We miss them. Yet their memory remains. Their ministry is not forgotten,” he said in a homily at Mass livestreamed from Dublin’s pro-cathedral on Saturday morning.

“Much of that ministry was carried out with great discretion, without any seeking publicity, but we know that it had been of vital help and comfort to men and women at difficult moments in their lives.

“The ministry of Mass and the sacraments was at the centre of their spirituality and the inspiration for their preaching of the Word of God and their witnessing to the life of charity,” he said.

“These 19 priests are remembered in a special way by their fellow priests, as having been true examples of priestly ministry and as zealous members of the body of Dublin clergy,” the archbishop said.