Diocesan News03 Apr 05

Bishop Colton extends sympathy to Roman Catholic brothers and sisters in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On behalf of the Church of Ireland people of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, I extend our sympathy and sorrow to Bishop John Buckley of Cork and Ross, and also Bishop John Magee of Cloyne, together with the priests and people of their dioceses, following the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. On a personal level I sympathize with Bishop Magee who worked with and served His Holiness in his early years of leadership as Pope.

All of us of many Christian denominations who have lived witnessing the pontificate of John Paul II will remember with awe his energy in ministry around the globe, as well as the manifest confidence and simplicity of his faith. His pontificate has corresponded with an era of unprecedented change for societies all over the world, resulting in immense challenges for all churches. The Holy Father's commitment to this ecumenical challenge, not least through 'Ut Unum Sint' will be one aspect of his legacy on which we draw as the work of the churches together continues.

May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.