Senior clergy, politicians and lay people gathered today for the funeral of the former Bishop of Galway Dr James McLoughlin.
Packed into the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas in the city, the congregation heard how Bishop McLaughlin had devoted 50 years of his life to the church.
He retired last July and died in the Galway Clinic on Friday at the age of 76. Bishop of Galway Dr Martin Drennan, principal celebrant at the Mass, told mourners Bishop McLaughlin would be remembered for his prayerful service to God and his work with young people and priests.
"Today we gather and give thanks to God for the gifts he gave Bishop James for his journey towards heaven," Bishop Drennan said. "Compassion means becoming a friend, showing another how beautiful he/she is.
It is learning that we are healed by the wounds of others. Suffering can hollow out a channel of grace, teach us to give thanks to God. That was a part of the faith journey of Bishop James.
"Many remember him for his humble service, his prayerful service to the Lord, his kind service to people. The Lord gave him a big heart, a deep interest in young people, a heart for priests and people alike.
"Generosity brings joy, but also brings its own cost. The consequence of his joy and commitment is that he died fully used up."
The Mass was attended by the country's most senior clergy including Cardinal Desmond Connell, Archbishop Emeritus of Dublin, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto Papal Nuncio to Ireland and Dr Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam.
A number of retired bishops attended the service along with Captain Lorraine Fahy, President Mary McAleese's Aide-de-Camp and Commandant Roy McAuliffe who represented Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Church of Ireland Rev Patrick Towers also attended. In his homily Bishop Drennan told the congregation: "In the desert it is the plants that put down their roots deepest that survive longest. He had deep roots, trust in the Lord and wonderful faith in Mary as source of perpetual help.
"He was given the inner strength to cope and eventually to look back with a smile at where the Lord had led him. I saw for myself how he had looked on the diocese with a kindly eye and made decisions accordingly."
Bishop McLoughlin will be laid to rest in the Cathedral Crypt.