The invitation of the Irish bishops to the Pope to make a pastoral visit to Ireland has “in principle” been accepted, said Archbishop Seàn Brady of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, after receiving information from the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. “We are happy about this reply and hope that the Pope’s visit may take place”. It would be John Paul II’s second visit to Ireland after the one of 19 September 25 years ago. And to recall this anniversary, a message of the Pope to all the Irish is expected in September. “The date of the visit has already been decided reported Archbishop Brady but given the commitments already assumed by the Pope for the rest of the year, it seems improbable that it can take place in 2004”. The programme is in the process of being defined and all that is known is that it will focus on prayer and on reflection so as to permit “grace in the presence of the Pope, and the maximum of benefits to the Irish people”. Meanwhile, it has been announced that the anniversary of the Pope’s first visit will be commemorated with a solemn celebration at Clonmacnois on 19 September.
