On 29 June, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore addressed members of the Defence Forces, Gardaí and Emergency services at Clonmel Kickham Plaza, as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope’s celebration of Armed Forces, Police, Emergency and Rescue Services.
In his address Bishop Cullinan said, “Standing here in this former Irish Army barracks, such a significant part of the life of this town and its surrounding hinterland for generations, I wish to welcome you all very sincerely to this Jubilee Year of Hope gathering. You have all made your little pilgrimage to Clonmel today. You are warmly welcome here.
“I am delighted that this Jubilee event is being accompanied by a special dedication to honour a former chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces Lt Gen David Francis Stapleton.
“Every twenty-five years, the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year. A Jubilee Year is a time for conversion and the reorientation of one’s life. Last year Pope Francis chose the theme of HOPE for this Jubilee Year of 2025. Everyone I have spoken to very much welcomed this. Today we need hope.”
Bishop Cullinan continued, “Our Jubilee committee in the diocese decided to mirror the many events being held in Rome – Jubilees of volunteers, of choirs, of medical and nursing staff, of carers, of priests and seminarians, of grandparents and many more, including a jubilee event for Armed Forces, Police, Emergency & Rescue Services. And so we are here today to acknowledge the huge contribution which people like you make to the building up of hope, in the sense that in your work you provide stability in society – people feel that there are others who care. Society needs men and women who are capable of putting themselves at the service of peace, justice and solidarity.”
To read the full text of Bishop Phonsie’s address visit CatholicBishops.ie.
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ENDS