Homily of Archbishop Francis Duffy at Knock

Bawnboy-native was speaking at his first Knock Novena as Archbishop.

This afternoon, under the banner A Journey of Hope, Archbishop Francis Duffy invited those present to reflect on the call of the Lord.

“I would like to look at three parts of the call of the Lord to us as believers. I base my reflections to some extent on what is found in the recently published synthesis of the consultation that took place in preparation for the 2023 universal synod in Rome, and which was formally published here in Knock on Tuesday last during this year’s Novena,” the Bawnboy native told attendees. “The three reflections are firstly: the call to bring healing to those who are hurt by Church; secondly, the call to serve the Lord and his people in parish communities; and thirdly, the call of the Lord to follow him in our personal lives and circumstances.”

He added that healing extends to those who suffered abuse, clerical and institutional.

“It also extends to others who felt and continue to feel marginalised, stigmatised and judged by society and by Church because of sexual orientation, perceived position in society and being judged and found wanting. The Lord’s call is to bring healing to those who suffer.”

The newly installed Archbishop, speaking at his first Knock Novena, stated that there is a “particular call of the Lord” to priesthood and religious life.

“It’s a call that continues to ring out but is not answered as before. It is a good time to be a priest in a parish, it is a good time to be a religious sister or brother or priest in one of great congregations or the new arrivals. It is great time to serve God and his people at this extraordinary time in Irish history. We are all called to be followers of the Lord in the circumstances in which we find ourselves, as single people, spouses, partners, in our family, with our friends, and in the community.”

He concluded by saying that a “key part” of being followers of the Lord is “to be people of hope”.

“The call of the Lord is essentially to be an agent of hope. It is not so much an optimism or wishful thinking but a hope that is firmly based in the good news of Jesus Christ.”