"‘In Africa the priest helps the people, in the west the people help the priest’. May their presence among us help the development of lay ministry. We thank them for their inspiring presence and for coming to the diocese of Kerry,” said Bishop Browne.

“There is a need to appreciate that our democracy has served us well in the past decade, when you take into account both recovery from the collapse of the Celtic Tiger and Britain’s decision to leave the EU."

A petition containing 1200 signatures was delivered to Bishop Ray Browne of Kerry calling on him to reverse the decision that makes Kilcummin one of five parishes without a resident priest.

Over the coming year the diocese will see Sean Jones ordained a priest - exactly ten years since the last priestly ordination in Kerry.

The internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God: Pope Francis.

“Young people should be given the opportunity to be Christ’s joy in the world, in their schools, parish communities or in their wider community.”

Let commemorations “inspire us as a people to give of our best for our own people in Ireland and to open our hearts to world needs too”.

“There are great challenges ahead. We have great gifts and strengths as we face them. Appreciate the strength of your parish and the whole diocesan family."

A booklet is currently being drawn up on funeral liturgies in Kerry but it does not have suggestions how to deal with those wishing to sympathise with the bereaved.

Faith-based parish programme is geared towards post primary young people.

Video sent to TheJournal.ie showed the cutting down of the cross with an angle grinder.

Vandalising of five metre steel cross sparks debate over whether Christian symbols should be placed on public landmarks.

28 people from parishes across diocese complete first ever Youth Ministry programme.