More than 2,500 join with bishop to celebrate jubilee

A packed congregation of more than 2,500 people, including the Taoiseach"s aide-de-camp, Comdt Michael Treacy, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza attended a Mass in Mullingar Cathedral of Christ the King last Sunday to celebrate the silver jubilee of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Smith, along with 150 priests from the Meath Diocese. Lay people from various aspects of Church life also took part in the liturgy. The scripture readings were read by Colm O"Rourke, principal of St Patrick"s Classical School in Navan and Agatha McPartland, secretary of the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage. A special letter of congratulations was read from Pope Benedict. Also among those taking part were Lucia Cully, who was the first child to receive Confirmation from the newly-ordained bishop on 5th March 1984 in Kildalkey. Speaking before the Mass, Lucia said that a lot of things had changed in her life since her Confirmation by Bishop Smith 25 years ago. 'But in all these changes, my faith remains an important part of my life and I thank God for the blessings that have come my way,' she said. Five years ago, Lucia married Brian Moran and the couple now live in Rath Cairn with their children, Molly (2) and recently born twins, Jack and Saoirse. The homily was preached by Bishop Anthony Farquhar from Belfast, a close friend of Bishop Smith since their student days in Rome. Reflecting back towards the days they were ordained bishops, the homilist said: 'Those were undoubtedly the days for looking to the future. No-one, however, could have foreseen what would away those of us consecrated as bishops around that time as we face the 25 years that lay ahead - in the North, violence, murder, assassination and the pain of officiating at ensuing funerals; elsewhere different and differing situations - and throughout the whole area of our pastoral concern, a growth in apathy and hostility, economic upsurge and weakness, dedicated goodness and scandal. 'In all of these circumstances, we were called upon to practice those virtues of which the Church speaks - sincerity of mind, a constant concern for justice, fidelity to one"s promise, refinement in manners, modesty in speech, coupled with charity, goodness of heart and sincerity.' Bishop Farquhar went on: 'I shall not embarrass Bishop Michael by a public analysis of the success with which he has combined and fulfilled he tasks entrusted to him. I shall confine myself to saying that he has given an example of integrity, honesty and spirituality to all who have known him.' All of this was lightened by a wonderful humility as to his own personal qualities. 'May I add, however, that this personal himility is fascinatingly combined with a hesitation, no, stronger than that, a total incapability of recognising any communal weakness or failing that could attach itself to anything coming out of the Diocese of Meath - county, club, parish or charitable activity. May I say today, to those of you who represent various corners of this diocese, that you are probably unaware of the complete lack of objectivity your bishop shows when singing the praises of your diocese. 'At meetings of the Episcopal Conference, some of us have been tempted over the years to replace that scriptural question 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" with a new question 'Can anything bad come out of the Diocese of Meath?" May I add, though, that this is not mere prejudice, it is rather the vision of a bishop who pastorally loves his people.' Bishop Smith thanked all - priests, religious and people - who had supported him and offered their friendship over the years. This was only the fourth public celebration of the silver jubilee of a bishop in the diocese over the past several hundred years, he said. 'The context in which they held their celebrations were very far removed from our present day experience. In their wildest dreams, they could not have envisaged the extraordinary developments that have taken place in our country,' he said. Faith was challenged in these times as it was in times past, he said. 'One of the central challenges to our faith has been the betrayal of trust and the wounding of many. Healing these wounds must continue to be at the heart of the mission of the Church. The Lord has given me the energy and health over the past 25 years as I try - with all my own personal limitations - to fulfil the call that came to me.' Paying tribute to the bishop, Minister Noel Dempsey said that he knew him as someone of enormous dedication and focus. 'His work is greatly appreciated by his community at large, and I wish him all the very best for the future,' said Mr Dempsey.