The Catholic Communications office of the Irish Bishops’ Conference has recently released a special web feature to commemorate the Pastoral Visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland 30 years ago, 29 September – 1 October 1979 www.catholicbishops.ie
I was one of the journalists on the tarmac at Dublin Airport as the Papal plane landed at the start of the third overseas visit of the Pontificate of Pope John Paul II, 16 October 1978 – 2 April 2005. In all the Polish Pope, the first non-Italian in 455 years, made 104 Pastoral Visits outside Ireland. His last to Lourdes in France, during August 2004.
I was present when a vast crowd estimated at more than 1,300,000 people welcomed the Polish Pope to Phoenix Park. I present at Drogheda, situated less than 30 mils from the Ulster Border, when the Pope John Paul II made an impassioned please for peace and end to bloodshed in Northern Ireland. The Pope made a powerful plea to the men and women of violence: On my knees I beg you to turn from the paths of violence and return to the ways of peace.”
My pamphlet, THE POPE IN IRELAND, published by the Catholic Truth Society (CTS) with pictures courtesy of The Irish Times. The back cover included the following message from the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch: “The successful Pastoral Visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II gave immense joy to all Irish people. It is my sincere hope that the Holy Father’s historic visit will foster peace and reconciliation and that the spirit of Christian fellowship which has been engendered by His Holiness will long continue and pervade all aspects of our national life.”
