The leaders of the 1916 Rising would be proud and amazed at the level of prosperity in Ireland attained under Bertie Ahern, it was said today.
Hours before the acting Taoiseach was to step down from office he joined outgoing Cabinet members and President Mary McAleese for the State’s 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill.
In a wide-ranging homily, Bishop of Elphin Dr Christopher Jones marked Mr Ahern’s final function by praising his efforts in office.
Peace in Northern Ireland is the greatest achievement of our time and the leaders of the 1916 Rising would have rejoiced at Mr Ahern’s commitment to resolving the conflict, he said.
“I believe Taoiseach they would be very proud and amazed to see how you have led our people to a level of prosperity undreamed of 50 years ago,” Bishop Jones said.
“I believe they would be extremely proud to see the leader of our small nation address the London Parliament and in both houses on Capitol Hill.
“I believe they would be proud of the huge contribution you have made to the European Community and they would truly rejoice at the way you persevered in your pursuit of peace in the north of our land.”
At the annual commemoration Mass this morning, Mr Ahern’s final function as Taoiseach, Bishop Jones talked about how the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising would view Ireland today, and the country’s rapid social change in the latter half of the 20th century.
“I believe they would be very proud that we have a President who represents all that is best and beautiful of our country and our culture and who through her visits abroad has earned the admiration and respect of nations for herself and for all of us whom she represents,” he said.
Referring to the North, he said the peace experienced on the island was one of the greatest achievements of our time.
“Most of us believe it is truly miraculous that men and women who have been locked in hatred, violence and death for decades are now sitting at the same table and administering the affairs of their people.
“Your words on Capitol Hill last week, Taoiseach, ‘Ireland is at Peace’ must be the final words in the story of conflict that has lasted for centuries,” he said.
He also praised Ireland’s peacekeeping role around the world, our presence in Europe, and missionary work abroad.
But he also used the opportunity to highlight the scandal of child sexual abuse within the church, and the societal changes in Irish life.
“Perhaps the most important lessons our society and especially our church has learned is that we are a sinful people struggling to repent for our past and to discover the healing mercy of God in our lives.
“We have learned this lesson in many areas of life but especially in the pain and the shame of the child-sexual-abuse scandals especially by priests and religious.
“I believe that through it all, however embarrassing and painful the experiences, our church has become more humble, more honest and more transparent,” he said.
Following the Mass President McAleese laid a wreath to commemorate those who died in the Rising.
PA