An early start but a worthwhile journey for the NI pilgrims
PILGRIMS from Northern Ireland who travelled for Pope Francis’ closing Mass spoke of their joy at sharing in the historic occasion.
Many thousands of people from here attended the service in the Phoenix Park in Dublin yesterday. For many it involved early starts and long journeys.
Several bus-loads of pilgrims from Belfast Parishes Community, including worshippers from St Patrick’s, Holy Family, Sacred Heart, Ligoniel and Holy Cross, set off from Belfast at 7am, arriving in good time to find a viewing place near the main altar where the Pope was the chief celebrant in the Mass.
Pat McGuinness from the Holy Family parish was there with her daughters Brid and Bronach.
She said: “I was here in 1979 to take part in the Mass conducted by Pope John Paul II and the memory of that has been with me ever since. I am also excited about the arrival of Pope Francis, and it is great to celebrate the Mass with all the faithful. We have preparing for this in our parish for many weeks so this day marks the end of a long journey.”
Her daughter Brid said: “Once I heard the Pope’s visit announced, there was no question of not coming down to see him. This Pope is so humble and yet he gets to the point. He described the Church as ‘a field hospital after a battle in life’. I liked that.”
Her sister Bronach said: “I feel very much part of it all. I appreciate that Pope Francis has come to Ireland and it’s important to turn out for him.”
Marguerite Kerr, a civil servant from Cliftonville in Belfast, was only 11 when she attended Pope John Paul II’s Dublin Mass in 1979. “It is wonderful to attend a second Papal Mass here in the Park, and it’s very important to welcome the Pope to Ireland,” she said. “Pope Francis is a modern thinker and he is like a breath of fresh air. He has a great way with people, with an infectious smile and he is down to earth.
“I also think that he is trying his best to tackle the clerical sex abuse issue and that is good enough for me.”
Monica McCambridge and brother–in-law Bobby McCambridge, from St Brigid’s parish, South Belfast, saw Pope John Paul II during his 1979 visit, though they did not know each other at that time. Monica said: “I have a great respect for Pope Francis, he is so humble. I like the way he travelled in a Skoda to meet the president at his residence in Phoenix Park. That says it all.”
Sr Mary Carlin and Sr Teresa O’Neill attended the World Festival of Families at Croke Park on Saturday night. Sr Mary said: “It was a great celebration of family life, with so many young couples and their babies at the concert.”
Sr Teresa added: “The atmosphere was electric, and it was something I will remember for the rest of my life.”