Homily by Bishop Larry Duffy at the Mass to mark the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Dedication of the
Church of Mary, Mother of Mercy, Inniskeen, Co Monaghan.
Sunday, 8th December 2024
I am delighted to be with you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of your church, The Church of Mary, Mother of Mercy. On 20th October 1974, this church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Patrick Mulligan.
It is good to celebrate anniversaries and be inspired by the generosity and efforts of past generations. For many of us, 1974 doesn’t seem so long ago; among the memories are:
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- It was the year of the Dublin v Monaghan bombing.
- The year Mohammad Ali beat George Foreman in the Thrilla in Manila.
- Richard Nixon resigned as U.S. President.
“Prepare a way for the Lord” is the invitation of today’s Gospel.
In building a new church in a parish in a very unique way prepares a way for the Lord. The Church building is often referred to as “God’s House” – where God lives among his people. God’s house is a unique place of peace in this noisy world. It is a place of welcome, …… open to all. Everyone is welcome!
The Parish Church is a unique place where we celebrate God’s love and call.
In Baptism, we are welcomed into God’s family and invited to build his kingdom. Marriage is the sacrament where God calls us to love and to set up a Christian home. The Christian Funeral recalls that Christ died and rose again paying the price of our sin. We pray that the deceased share in Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus Christ rose on Easter Sunday; on the Sunday Mass is so special to us.
Today we remember and pray for all who, over the years, joined us in celebrating Mass and the Sacraments in our Church of Mary, Mother of Mercy. We pray too for the priests who served here. In 1974, there were two priests in Inniskeen, today, Fr Martin is on his own. We thank him for his ministry, which is much appreciated.
The recent Roman Synod spoke of co-responsibility, of listening and working together. Locally, our own diocesan group are preparing to go out to parishes and help to establish structures for Parish Pastoral teams. The effort of each is needed. The question is; What can I offer my parish! – a question that each of us might consider.
A final thought:
Today as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Church, we are in good company. The famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is being re-dedicated.
Amidst the awful fire of April 2019, the cross and high altar remained intact.
God remained present. God is always present.
This is our hope; that God remains with us even amidst the misery and trial of life. Notre Dame is the French for Our Lady. May Mary, Mother of God, Mother of Mercy, protect us and plead for us with her son.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
