Statement by the Most Reverend James Moriarty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II

03 Apr 2005

PRESS RELEASE
3 April 2005

Statement by the Most Reverend James Moriarty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II

 
We mourn today the passing of Pope John Paul II.  Our church and our world has been served courageously and prophetically by his dedicated ministry  built on his faith in Jesus Christ.  The bishop who chose ‘totus tuus’  (totally yours) as his motto lived up to its meaning in every aspect of his life.
 
Since the election of Karol Wojtyla as Pope in 1978 the church has had a leader and shepherd of  remarkable compassion, faith and vision.  As we mourn his passing we pray with thanksgiving to God for the ministry of Pope John Paul II and ask the Lord to welcome him to the company of all the faithful departed.
 
I would like to invite people across the diocese to remember him in prayer during the next few days.  Masses and prayer services will offer thanks for his distinctive life as priest, bishop and Pope.  There will
be a special Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, tomorrow Monday 4th April at 7.30pm. in remembrance of the late Pope John Paul II.
 
Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.
 
ENDS
 
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)
Rev. Micheál Murphy Communications Officer, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin (086 8244629)