Those who carry heavy responsibilities on behalf of others are often taken too much for granted. They cover a wide range of life styles, of people who have chosen particular walks of life involving them in making authoritative decisions faithfully.
At this time we are thinking of the faithfulness of the Garda Siochana in the life of our country. On August 17th 1922, Dublin Castle was taken over from the British garrison by a contingent of unarmed Garda Siochana. Some days later its Commissioner, Michael Staines, spoke in wise and prophetic terms: "The Garda Siochana will succeed, not by force of arms or numbers, but on their moral authority as servants of the people".
Recently the nation has been celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Garda Siochana's faithful and distinguished service of the people of Ireland in constantly changing circumstances. The Commissioner's words of 75 years ago are remarkable for the simple way they prophesied the way the Gardai would exercise an indelible influence on the lives of the citizens of our land. At the 75th anniversary service in Saint Patrick's Cathedral the Commissioner, Patrick Byrne, and members of the Gardai were present. Thanks was expressed to Almighty God for the Garda Siochana's achievements . . . thanks echoed in the hearts and minds of the people of Ireland.
On television, radio, in the press, and by word of mouth, we are daily made aware of the tests, trials and dangers being met by police throughout the world. They are deserving of our prayers in the difficulties, hardships, and dangers they face. We do well to remember their parents, sweethearts, and loved ones so often concerned about their safety and involved with them in faithfulness to Michael Staines's vision. Now, on the 75th anniversary, we can be pleased in the way his prophecy has been fulfilled. The Gardai have won the acceptance of the nation "by their moral authority as servants of the people".
When one recalls the vast number of changes that have taken place during the last 75 years, and the constant threats to a law-abiding society, one must be amazed and grateful for the emergence of the strong and trusted Garda Siochana. Wise leadership by men of vision like Michael Staines and his successors has played a significant part in the Garda Siochana's growth. Loyalty on the part of individual members has also contributed to the magnificent achievement.
Of no small importance is the fact that in localities in city or town communities the Gardai quickly won approval through their respect for, and patience with, people. In serving the state and people their moral authority is guided by the law of the land. In the main, the law is based on the Gospel of the King of Love.
His example must be a priority. The Gardai have hard decisions to make as to whether penalty or mercy be awarded. Their responsibility has a kinship with the church in it's vocation to be the cure of souls. In Christ there is that emphasis, that strong stress: "They that are healthy have no need of a physician, but they that are sick." The duty to a person does not end with a sentence being passed. It goes on with that same objective, that they be helped and restored, cured of ills in their lives. Central to our thinking is always bearing in mind that any person we meet is loved by God, whether we like them or not.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Gardai is in winning the trust of little children. So we let one of them speak to the Gardai:
We wish you many happy returns of the day,
We hope you will be happy and strong all the way.
Strong to do right . . . Slow to do wrong,
Trusting in God all the day long."
W.W.