Pope is invited to pay a visit to Wexford

July 1979

Pope John Paul II may visit Wexford during his three-day visit to Ireland in the autumn. If he does, the scenes of welcome which could be expected would even surpass those experienced at the time of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Wexford, sixteen years ago.

The Holy Father’s itinerary for his pastoral tour from September 29th to October 1st has yet to be drawn up, but when it is, Wexford could be one of the locations included.

The possibility stems from an invitation issued to the Pope this week to visit the historic borough.

It comes from Wexford Corporation, and in particular from the Mayor, Cllr. John Roche, who is extremely anxious that the Pontiff should include Wexford on his tour.

The Pope is almost certain to visit Dublin, Shannon, Knock, Maynooth, and Drogheda, but if he travels by helicopter, as expected, he could easily reach other areas too, Wexford among them.

On Tuesday, Cllr. Roche asked the Borough Accountant, Mr. John Kennedy, to draft a letter to the Papal Nuncio, Dr. Alibrandi, to invite the 58-year-old Polish pope to the town.

In it, reasons why the Pope should come to Wexford are outlined. The seminary at St. Peter’s College is mentioned, and its long association with missionary work. So too is Cardinal Tomas O Fiach, who studied in St. Peter’s College and who was ordained there in 1948. When Cardinal O Fiach recently received his Red Hat from Pope John Paul in Rome, the President of the College, Fr. Gahan, was present.

The Bishop of Ferns, Dr. Donal Herlihy, is also mentioned in the letter. He has a long and close association with Rome, where he studied for many years, and although he has never met the Pope, he is a great admirer of the man.

Finally, Dr. Alibrandi is told of Our Lady’s Island, the shrine there, and the thousands who go on pilgrimage there each year.

Pope John Paul II has a particular devotion to Our Lady, and would surely be anxious to visit the shrine if he is in the Wexford area, it is felt.

The letter is expected to be drafted and sent this week.