The joyful news that Pope Francis will actually be coming to Ireland in August for the World Meeting of Families came last March. I thought then what joyful news that this most wonderful man would be lighting up our lives and making 2018 a wonderful year to remember! At the time it seemed almost like having a touch of Spring to cheer us up after what seems like an endless supply of cold and snow to which we Irish are unaccustomed! That of course was before this amazing Summer began!
And cheer us up he will! Since he first greeted the world as he knelt before the cameras in St Peter’s in Rome after the conclave that elected him in 2013, his has been a most cheerful pontificate. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, one might say. His election was a surprise – I don’t remember hearing or reading anyone mention his name in the media beforehand. And everywhere he has visited, he has lifted the hearts of the people. A visit of Pope Francis is definitely something to be excited about!
There has been and will be negativity in the media about the visit – some of it related to abuse and its cover up which is understandable – some of it born out of a hatred for the Church and all it stands for. But the visit will be a massive media event, and Pope Francis, like it or not will be the star attraction. Whether our newspapers adopt a positive or a negative approach (I expect a bit of both), one thing is certain: the visit will fill countless column inches and will increase the sales of many newspapers, to the delight of their editors and marketing people. Come to think of it, I still have some of the newspapers I kept from the time of St John Paul’s visit in 1979 – fading to yellow as the song goes, and unlooked at for a long time!
Much will be said about the differences between this visit and St John Paul’s in 1979. There won’t be 1.25 million people in the Phoenix Park –Health and Safety concerns have meant a limit being set, but it is gratifying to see that all available tickets have been snapped up. One thing is certain – unlike 1979 when those attending the events were overwhelmingly umpteenth generation Irish and white caucasian in complexion, we will see a very different mixture of people this year. We will also see many visitors from other countries, some of whom are coming for the World Meeting of Families, while others will come just to see and hear Pope Francis.
A theme I have noticed in broadcast and print media has been one of asking people “what do you want to say to Pope Francis?” Personally I’m far more interested in what he has to say to us. He is unlikely to get involved in current issues. Like his predecessor, he will no doubt refer to the way our forefathers kept the faith alive despite systematic and sustained persecution over the centuries. He may warn us of the real danger of this generation snuffing out the light of faith that has burned ever since St. Patrick came to these shores nearly 1,600 years ago, but even if he does I’m sure his message will be full of optimism for the future. As always he will preach in a way that will encourage those listening to take to heart the saving message of Jesus Christ which is always relevant and never changes, and of course he will have plenty of encouraging words to say to those gathered for the World Meeting of Families.
Come Pope Francis, come! We are dearly looking forward to having you with us, even for such a short time!
Let us pray that the visit will be a grace filled experience for all, for the health and safety of the Pope and all involved, and yes, for a few surprises along the way.
About the Author: Pat Hanratty
Pat Hanratty taught Science/Chemistry in Tallaght Community School from its inception in 1972 until he retired in 2010. He was the school’s first Transition Year Co-ordinator and for four years he had the role of Home School Community Liaison Officer.