“A very sad day; very very sad for Limerick,” was how one elderly lady exiting St John’s Cathedral, described Bishop Donal Murray’s resignation on December 17.
The bishop, who had been the centre of media attention since the Murphy Report, took to the podium at St. John’s Cathedral at 11am, to offer his resignation, as had been widely expected.
Dressed in simple black clerical clothing, he spoke briefly to the congregation of around 100 parishioners, priests and workers of the diocese, and said: “The Holy Father has accepted my resignation, which takes effect from this morning”, as the church bells tolled outside, seemingly communicating this message to the people of Limerick.
“I have heard the views of many survivors…some expressed the wish that I should resign; others asked me not to do so”.
There was a sombre mood in the otherwise silent church, as Bishop Murray, flanked by a number of priests, acknowledged that he could not undo the “pain that survivors of abuse have suffered in the past and continue to suffer each day.
“I humbly apologise once again to all who were abused as little children”.
In closing, Bishop Murray offered the words he spoke in St. Joseph’s on November 29: “We are people who believe that God’s mercy and God’s healing are without limit. We are meant to be bearers of that hope to one another, and especially to people whose trust was betrayed when they were just little children and who endured the terror, helplessness and suffering inflicted by a dominant adult. They should always have a special place in our prayers”.
He then lit three candles of adventry, and stepped from the altar as the natural light that had been lighting up the stain glass windows faded.
An hour’s prayer followed, but a number of parishioners left the church in single file.
“He was a good man”, said one. “Why did they have to focus on him and not the others named in the report? I’m sorry to see him go”.
“I know he didn’t help the process, but I also know what its like to have someone above you not listen. As usual, I guess small players are easier scapegoats. Like in the banks”, said another.
Dr Murray’s two minute speech captured local and national headlines, and his resignation has led to calls for the remaining bishops implicated in the Murphy Report to follow his lead.
Mayor Kevin Kiely, said: “Since he became Bishop of Limerick in 1996, Dr Murray has served the people of Limerick to the best of his ability and I would like to pay tribute to him for his hard work and dedication on behalf of the Diocese.
“I am saddened by the circumstances which have led to Dr Murray’s resignation today after several days of reflection, and I wish him well for the future”.
Speculation is now rife as to who will take over the position as Bishop of Limerick-while rumours have also been circulating that the Pope will visit Ireland on his planned trip to the UK next year.
