Inspirational press coverage from Ireland

Here is a great set of articles about the new Cardinal Sean Brady of Ireland returning to Ireland from the Consistory in Rome. Each article has a different slant and is great to read.

The fourth link in particular reminisces about Pope John Paul II's plea for peace during the worst of "the troubles." Remember that Cardinal Sean Brady is cardinal for all of Ireland, the Republic and Northern. He celebrated on both sides of the border upon his return. Now that there is peace he is the first Cardinal of Ireland who will be able to celebrate in this promising beginning. With scandal and weakening of the faith, Ireland is a challenge for renewal, as is most of the Western world. I think Cardinal Sean Brady will do great. He's hopeful that Pope Benedict XVI will visit Ireland in person soon too, and that would also be a wonderful development.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/cardinal-brady-greets-flock-1233151.html

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article3207899.ece

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jpbPQclQN5YaZy5l2IE9HBYOqlmw

http://www.indcatholicnews.com/unitee563.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7118619.stm

Here is from the fourth link, the Independent Catholic News, a reminder of the troubles and of the heart and passion of Pope John Paul II nearly 30 years ago:

snip

The conversations and informal meetings held by the political leaders in Rome were a fulfilment of a dream articulated 28 years ago by the late great Pope John Paul II when he made a heart-felt plea for an end to violence in Northern Ireland during the first day of his historic Pastoral Visit to Ireland, 29 September to 1 October 1979.

"On my knees I beg you to turn away from the paths of violence and to return to the ways of peace, the Polish Pontiff pleaded during his homily at Drogheda, situated not far from the border with Northern Ireland.

This correspondent covered the Papal Visit to Ireland and heard first-hand the dramatic appeal made by Pope John Paul II, the first Pope from a Communist country.

Pope John Paul said: "To all men and women engaged in violence. I appeal to you, in language of passionate pleading. On my knees I beg you to turn away from the paths of violence and to return to the ways of peace.

"You may claim to seek justice. I, too, believe in justice and seek justice. But violence only delays the day of justice. Violence destroys the work of justice.

"Further violence in Ireland will only drag down to ruin the land you claim to love and the values you claim to cherish.

"In the name of God I beg you: return to Christ, who died so that men might live in forgiveness and peace. He is waiting for you, longing for each one of you to come to him so that he may say to each of you: your sins are forgiven; go in peace."