The Catholic Church has been through a difficult period because of human failure, but "the tree is being pruned and a stronger and more purified church is emerging", according to the new Bishop of the dioceses of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley. The President, Mrs McAleese, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, as well as all of the members of the Hierarchy were present yesterday at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne in Cork for the formal installation.
In a brief but colourful ceremony Dr Buckley said the church had been through difficult periods before, and its history showed that it was always in need of renewal and repentance.
"We should be aware of the many positive things that are happening all around us. I see, for example, at close quarters, during my visits to parishes here in these dioceses, the dedication of so many priests who go about their work in a quiet and unobtrusive manner," he said.
"Priests are also very much aware today of the importance of personal witness - that they must practise in their own lives what they preach to others."
Dr Buckley (58) was born in Inchigeelagh in west Cork in 1939. He was ordained in 1965 and in 1976 he was appointed president of the Farranferris seminary in Cork. In 1983, he became parish priest of the Turners Cross parish in Cork and the following year he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Cork and Ross. Following the death of Bishop Michael Murphy in 1996, he was elected as administrator. As well as the Taoiseach and the President, senior political figures were present at the ceremony.
The Papal Nuncio, Dr Luciano Storero, and Cardinal Cahal Daly, the Archbishop Emeritus of Armagh, as well as Archbishops Sean Brady (Armagh), Desmond Connell (Dublin), Michael Neary (Tuam), and Dermot Clifford (Cashel) were also in attendance. The major religious communities, including the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Religious Society of Friends and the Jewish community, were also formally represented.