No Irish government minister at installation of future Catholic primate
April 22, 2013
Archbishop Eamon Martin was installed on April 21 as the coadjutor of the Armagh archdiocese, with the right of succession. He will succeed Cardinal Sean Brady as the successor to St. Patrick and Primate of All Ireland.
Remarkably, no government minister representing the Irish republic was present at the ceremony in the Armagh cathedral. The government of Northern Ireland (where Armagh is located) was represented by deputy first minister Martin McGuinness and justice minister David Ford.
In his homily Archbishop Martin reflected on his episcopal motto, “Sing a new song unto the Lord.” In today’s troubled circumstances, he said, that new song is “a song about love and peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.”
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Further information:
- Cardinal pledges support as his successor seeks 'fresh approach' (Irish Independent)
- Monsignor Eamon Martin is ordained in Armagh (BBC)
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