On 24 February at 1.00pm in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis, Diocese of Killaloe, Bishop Willie Walsh, whose motto was ‘Cineáltas Chríost, the Gentleness of Christ’, was laid to rest in the presence of his family, clergy, and the people of the diocese of Killaloe.
The Chief Celebrant was Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe and amongst the concelebranting clergy were, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA of Cashel and Emly, Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick and Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns.
In his homily, Bishop Monahan said, ” ‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.’ The quality of Jesus and God the Father that was echoed and reflected in the life and ministry of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh. His Episcopal motto was ‘Cineáltas Chríost, the Gentleness of Christ’.
“During the week we were busy praying for the health and recovery of Pope Francis. While we were doing that a pastor cut out of the same cloth as the Holy Father stole away with no warning and less fuss. Willie Walsh died as he lived, getting on with the business of things, not hanging around, just moving on with intent and clear direction.
No Crusader
“The title of his acclaimed autobiography is No Crusader. Yet in his typical, understated, yet very effective, way he was a profound and effective crusader, winning people over to genuine Christian values through kindness, understanding, listening, generosity, care for the poor, the marginalised, people struggling and suffering in life.
“He did this through his unstinting work with the Travelling Community, his pastoral outreach to survivors of abuse, the sick, the vulnerable, so many who availed of his spiritual outreach as a true pastor of Jesus Christ.
“I just got to know Bishop Willie personally eight and a half years ago on coming here to Ennis. His warmth, kindness and ever available wisdom was such an asset to help settle in. Even though he immersed himself in enjoying a richly deserved retirement with so many hobbies, interests and such a wide circle of friends and his most beloved family – he was always available to help out and offer a word of advice if requested.
Listen, anyone who has ears to hear…
“The fact that Willie and I were both struggling with the challenges of hearing loss – he often joked of the advantages of not being able to hear certain things being said as an actual advantage and a plus in the life of being a bishop…”
To read the complete text of Bishop Monahan’s homily visit CatholicBishops.ie.
ENDS