“Today we are remembering a paragon of peace, a giant of a statesman whose legacy of unstinting service to the Common Good is internationally acclaimed, even though it is still perhaps only unfolding” - Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Mourners attending the funeral Mass at the Church of St James of Jerusalem in Co Armagh of NI's former Deputy First Minister and the former deputy leader of the SDLP were told he was “a man of deep faith”.
“A person of global stature" who gave his gifts unselfishly and tirelessly to serve the betterment of the whole community on this island, north and south: Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Today provides an opportunity for a new start for Northern Ireland’s political institutions and one that can also offer fresh hope, say the leaders of Ireland’s four main Churches.
Archbishop Eamon Martin urges people and parties of different political perspectives “to progress peace", tackle poverty and homelessness, tackle the pressure on hospitals and schools, and "to promote a culture of life.”
"He had huge shoes to fill, and he served communities in difficult times.”
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was “the working class hero” and the SDLP “count for nothing” – Cardinal Daly.
Bernadette Smyth, director of Precious Life, says Amnesty is “claiming to be a ‘human rights group’ while campaigning for the legalised destruction of unborn children.”
From 875 successful applicants last year, 25% were from a Catholic background, compared to 22% in 2014.
Sr Clare's "life and death have posed questions for many of her contemporaries – what is worthwhile doing in life, what makes a beautiful person, who we want as our idols?”
Attempt to extend abortion law to allow for abortion in the cases of life limiting illnesses and in pregnancies resulting from rape or incest defeated in Stormont Assembly.
Across our community, our churches and our conflict Fr Gerry Reynolds CSsR forged new relationships so that old differences could be resolved.
Northern bishops highlight how motion was "completely silent" on the "vital issue" of respect for individual religious conscience and protections for Churches.
“Unless further initiatives are taken regarding the composition of the police service we could be witnessing a reversal of Patten.”
Praise for Eddie McGrady's tireless promotion of the virtues of constitutional democracy.
