Galway: The heavy rain stopped at Ballybrit racecourse yesterday as 4,000 people joined 48 priests and religious leaders for a special Mass to mark the Pope's visit to Galway 25 years ago.Then . . .. . . and now
The crowd gave a warm welcome to the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, and the other religious leaders.
There was loud applause when it was announced that the Bishop of Galway, Dr James McLoughlin, who was to have been the chief celebrant, was making a good recovery after his operation.
Monsignor Seán O'Flaherty, deputising for the bishop, welcomed those present including the Bishop of Achonry, Dr Thomas Flynn; the Bishop of Clonfert, Dr John Kirby; and the Bishop of Elphin, Dr Christopher Jones.
Archbishop Lazzarotto said the Pope's visit to Galway will always be linked with the young people of Ireland. "We all know how truly special a place young people have in the mind and heart of the Holy Father."
The Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, said the Catholic Church in Ireland today was much weaker in certain regards than it was then. "The scandals of the last 10 years have certainly done great harm. In terms of creating real change, however, I believe their real effect has been to accelerate a powerful momentum already begun when the Pope came here all those years ago."