IRELAND
The Irish Times

PATSY MCGARRY and GENEVIEVE CARBERY

The papal legate to the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin has prayed that the event will “bring a special blessing to Ireland at this turbulent time”.

In a homily at the opening Mass at the RDS this evening, attended by about 12,500 people, Cardinal Mark Ouellett acknowledged that the Church in Ireland is “suffering” and “faces many new and serious challenges” of the faith.

“Well aware of these challenges, we turn together to Our Lord, who renews, heals and strengthens the faith of His people,” he said.