Compassion was there on both sides of this debate
TODAY is a day of mixed emotions for members of this congregation and for Catholic faithful everywhere across Ireland.
There will be people here who voted to repeal the Eighth Amendment and people who voted to protect it.
Ireland is a compassionate country, we are a compassionate people. Those who voted no did so with compassion, particularly for the unborn child. Those who voted yes did so with an eye particularly on the mother carrying that child.
Of course, the Church treasures life above all else and that extends to life in the womb.
That’s a core value Christians promote. Even before the referendum, it was a core value and it will remain so. The result, in that context, is deeply regrettable and chilling for those of us who voted no.
The final result of the referendum is the will of the majority of the people, though not all the people.
MISSIONARIES
It is a vote, of course, that does not change our position. Our message is one of love; love for all, love for life, for those with us today, for those in the womb.
And God’s love is there also for those on both sides of the referendum campaign.
I have already expressed my gratitude to all who were missionaries for life and actively gave of their time and energy to promote the cause of life.
They dedicated themselves to the task with care, listening and sensitivity. I am grateful too that, in general, the debate was largely respectful.
Nevertheless, we have a society that has been very much divided by this referendum.
I recognise that both sides on the divide ultimately approached the campaign driven by a sense of care.
We may not agree with each other’s position and while much analysis can and will need to be done, I acknowledge in general each person’s political position was ultimately borne out of care.
We must try to recognise that commonality for the opportunity that it is. Yes, we have political differences on this matter but ultimately we care. So let’s work unflinchingly to find a way to care together.
■■An edited extract from message read out at masses across Limerick diocese at the weekend.