Day Twenty-Two: Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman

As I mentioned yesterday we ventured this morning to the Newman Centre in Dublin.  It is located just outside of St. Stephen's Green.  The chapel itself was designed by Newman.  He was a man of great faith, very articulate, but most of all simple and direct in his reception and sharing of faith. 

Our archbishop, himself a cardinal now, Thomas Cardinal Collins, celebrated and preached.  It reminded me of days in seminary.  Mass at seminary can seem like Sunday Mass every day.  Music is abundant and preaching can run a little long.  Twice a week we would have Mass within our own group of about 15 seminarians.  Cardinal Collins, then a seminary professor, enjoyed the celebration of the simple weekday Mass.  And the Mass this morning was much like our ordinary weekday Mass.  Simple music and short gentle preaching.  It was also a chance for our Toronto group to do things together. 

Abp. Gerald Lacroix, Abp. of Quebec & Primate of Canada

At 1pm we joined most of the other Canadian delegates to pray and socialize.  Many of the Canadian bishops were present.  The main Mass this afternoon as I write this is a significant one.  Sean Cardinal Brady, Primate of Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh is presiding and preaching.  The theme for the day is reconciliation.  The horrors of abuse are still present in the hearts and minds of many of the Irish people.  Two days ago, the Papal Legate, Cardinal Ouillet went to an historic place of penance and prayed there overnight.  Today's Mass represents an historic opportunity.  So much work has been done by the Church to nurture and support human development this stain is a painful loss for all of us. 

As the Rite of Reconciliation itself proclaims at the end: 

May the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
and of all the saints,
whatever good you do and suffering you endure,
heal your sins,
help you grow in holiness,
and reward you with eternal life.  

It is only possible, I think, to experience healing in the face of suffering with outside help and in the end it can be a gift for us from God.  We will need to continue to to understand and appreciate the harm done so that together we can help one another to heal.