Colm Fitzpatrick
The majority found Pope Francis inspiration in the Archdiocese of Dublin. Despite various reports last year that Dublin’s World Meeting of Families would cost up to €40 million, the festival’s Secretary General has confirmed that “it came in under budget”.
Fr Timothy Bartlett told this newspaper that WMOF cost under its €20 million budget and that the final figures of the event will be available to the public in due course.
Fr Bartlett also thanked parishioners across Ireland for their donations and help which made the gathering a success.
Backbone
“We’re very happy that it came in under budget and for the enormous support that came from parishioners around the country. That was the backbone of the fundraising effort which in all the circumstances was very successful.”
The Diocese of Ossory has previously reported that last year’s WMOF cost an estimated €19.4m. It saw Pope Francis arrive for a two-day historic visit to the country in August.