"In this island, there are Christian roots that need to be nourished all the time. I am sure your experience of life and work will give them a substantial contribution": these are the words spoken on June 29th by card. Sean Brady, president of the Irish Bishops Conference, to mgr. Noël Treanor, ordained bishop of Down and Connor (Northern Ireland) in the Cathedral of St. Peter’s, in Belfast. During the sermon of Mass for the ordination of Treanor, who after 15 years leaves his post as secretary general of Comece (Commission of the EU Bishops Conferences) in Brussels, archbishop Brady mentioned the figure of Saint Colombano, "one of the fathers of Europe", who Benedict XVI too lingered on, during the general audience of June 11th. "You both migrated to the European continent to work in different countries, such as Italy, France and Belgium", noticed the prelate, adding that Saint Colombano "still shows us the roots from which our Europe can be born again". According to the cardinal, "in the future, the new bishop’s international commitment for the defence of life and the family, and for the promotion of ecumenical relations" will turn out to be priceless". In his address, mgr. Treanor renewed his "commitment to Europe" through a "more powerful cultural initiative" in his diocese.
