Roots of faith, family and community celebrated as PM attends Mass in Mayo
CANADIAN Prime Minister Mark Carney was warmly embraced by the local community on arriving for the celebration of Mass in Aughagower this morning.
Mr. Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney were given front seat pews as special guests of the parish for Sunday Mass, receiving rapturous applause on arriving shortly after 11.30 a.m.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and his wife Mary were also among the congregation.
Mr. Carney's grandparents, Robert Carney and Nora Moran, grew up in the Aughagower area, leaving in 1925 to start a new life in Canada. Deceased members of the Carney and Moran families from Ayle and Mace were among the members of the local community prayed for this morning at the Mass, celebrated by Fr. Tod Nolan, chief celebrant, and Fr. Britus Kadavunkal, parish priest.
The celebration was hailed as a 'historic moment for this small community' by Fr. Nolan, which will be spoken of by generations yet to come.
Fr. Britus had warm words of welcome for the extended Carney and Moran families, whose lives and faith, he said, remain part of the rich heritage of the parish.
Today was a reminder, he said, that while life may lead us to many places and call us to many responsibilities, our roots of faith, family and community continue to shape who we are.
They are gifts from those who have gone before us, and treasures to be handed on to future generations.
“Let's give thanks for the gift of family, for the generations who nurtured the faith in this parish, and for the bonds that unite us across nations and continents.”
Fr. Nolan reflected on Aughagower Parish's heritage as a place of historical and ecclesial significance. St. Patrick spent a winter there and for over 700 years Aughagower was a major centre for pray and learning.
St. Patrick's Church was the church where Robert Carney and Nora Moran were baptised. They had walked across the fields with their families to worship and pray. And it from from here that they had gone to Canada 101 years ago to start a better life.
Fr. Nolan, reflecting on the world today, said: “We live in a world which in many ways has lost its way, where too many are harassed and dejected... a world characterised by inequality and injustice. By extremes of wealth and poverty. By unbridled advances in technology and wanton destruction of our shared environment.”
It is here that each of us are asked to bring the light and hope of the gospel.
He continued: “When Robert Carney and Nora Moran left this parish they carried with them more than just their belongings. They brought with them their faith, a faith which had shaped their people for generations.
“What a tribute it is to them and to their faith that we are gathered here today in that same faith, 101 years later, with their grandson Mark and the extended family.
“In July 1925, when Robert and Nora came to this church with their family and friends for the last time before leaving for what seemed like a far and distant land, not knowing if they'd ever return, I'm sure they didn't dare to dream that one day their grandson would return as Prime Minister of Canada.”
He told Mr. Carney from the pulpit: “We are deeply proud of you and your achievements. We ask God's blessing on you and your work both in Canada and in the world.
“You are always welcome. Don't be a stranger.”