“I have always believed, ever since the beginning of the ‘troubles’ of our country, that the memory and analysis of the conflict in course, and the collection of documents that concern it, could be of great historical importance. Hence the decision to collect some of my writings on the conflict, which I now present as part of a political collection published by Linen Hall Library”. That’s how Cardinal Cahal B. Daly, archbishop emeritus of Armagh, explains his decision to narrate, through his homilies and addresses, the present conflict in Northern Ireland. “I became a bishop in 1967 says the cardinal and my 29 years of active episcopate coincided with those of the ‘crisis’ (1969-1994). The response that the Church gave during this period shows her relevance within Irish society. Her voice must be listened to, especially when she treats of moral questions like the legitimacy of violence, or the question of justice and equality”. In the cardinal’s view, “we need to avoid any suspicion of being the spokesman of one or other faction, but remain attached to the Gospel. We need to work for reconciliation and mutual understanding. And it is this I have tried to do in my work”. The presentation of the volumes, 9 in all, took place in Belfast on 28 January.
