Prelates surprised as Dr Connell invokes Catechism at multidenominational service

The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Communion at an ecumenical service dedicating a multi-denominational chapel in the new hospital at Tallaght yesterday.

Comments from members of other denominations afterwards indicated surprise that Dr Connell should have chosen the occasion to outline a Catholic understanding of Communion.

The service also involved ministers of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist Churches and the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin and president of the new hospital at Tallaght, Dr Walton Empey. Representatives of the Society of Friends and the Salvation Army were present.

Dr Connell said that "the body and blood of the Lord remain really and truly present in the sacrament [of Communion]". He continued: "The tabernacle is thus the sanctuary of this abiding presence of the Lord, a centre of adoration and prayer."

Referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he said: "Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honoured with the worship of adoration. To visit the Blessed Sacrament is . . . proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration towards Christ our Lord."

Other Christian denominations do not hold with Dr Connell's understanding of Communion.

Speaking to the congregation later, Dr Empey noted the extensive use of symbols during the service, from Baptism to the placing of a large wooden cross behind the altar. The cross, he noted, was an empty one, as a symbol of the risen Christ.

The hour-long service, of hymns and Gospel readings, was also attended by the Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, and by officials from his Department and local public representatives.

Also present were the former Church of Ireland archbishop of Dublin, Dr Donald Caird; Dr Eamon Walsh, the Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin; Dr Dermot O'Mahony, retired Catholic auxiliary bishop of Dublin; Mrs Rosemary French, chairwoman of the board of management of the Adelaide and Meath Hospitals, incorporating the National Children's Hospital; members of the new hospital's management; and representatives of its medical and general staff.

At a reception afterwards Councillor Richard Conroy, chairman of the Tallaght Hospital Planning Board, spoke of the event as "a happy occasion, an occasion of unity of all of us as Christians".

The new hospital is expected to be officially opened in the autumn. However, patients from the Adelaide and Meath Hospitals are to be moved there on June 21st.