Support of other churches a source of 'great hope'

Support:Cardinal Seán Brady has acknowledged the many expressions of support and encouragement he received from members of other Christian churches and other faiths in Ireland, including members of the Loyal Orders.

In his first statement as a cardinal of the Catholic Church on Saturday, he described their sentiments as a real encouragement.

He said: "They are one of the many reasons why I have great hope for our future. It is a hope rooted in mutual respect and dignity.

"All of this leads me to believe that we are indeed in a new place - in a new era - an era of great promise, right now."

Earlier at the consistory in St Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Brady became the 11th Irishman resident on the island to be elevated to the College of Cardinals since Cardinal Paul Cullen was made cardinal by Pope Pius IX in 1866. He was the first Irishman ever to receive a "red hat".

The event on Saturday also means that for the first time there are now three resident cardinals in Ireland.

The other two men, Cardinal Cahal Daly (90), former archbishop of Armagh, and Cardinal Desmond Connell (81), former archbishop of Dublin, also attended the consistory.

Both are over the 80-year threshold after which a cardinal may not take part in a conclave to elect a pope.

Another Irishman, the Dominican cardinal Michael Browne, spent most of his life in Rome.

On Saturday Cardinal Brady also thanked those who had that morning attended the consistory in St Peter's Basilica.

Among those he named were President Mary McAleese, who was the only head of state at the consistory, the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, and Northern Ireland Minister Paul Goggins.

The cardinal said he was particularly pleased that members of the Northern Ireland Assembly had also been present, "including Deputy First Minister Mr Martin McGuinness and SDLP spokesperson for education, Mr Tommy Gallagher MLA."

He said "that we have representation from an Executive and Assembly which is successfully operating in Northern Ireland gives me great hope for the future. I take this opportunity to ask people to pray that the peace process in Northern Ireland will continue to be a source of pride and joy and inspiration to peace makers across the world."

Referring to recent events where the Catholic Church in Ireland was concerned, he said: "These have been difficult, at times traumatic, years for the church in Ireland. Yet in the midst of these challenges, the overwhelming majority of priests and religious have continued to serve their people, in humble patience, with quiet devotion and outstanding generosity."

He continued: "That is why I believe that today is, in some sense, about them. It is about the quiet acts of kindness, the supportive, prayerful presence in times of tragedy and disaster, the efforts to build community, and to bring dignity, comfort and hope to those in need.

"These have been the hallmark of generations of Irish priests and religious at home and across the world. It is a legacy of which, I believe, Ireland can be proud. Their generosity and commitment are recognised and celebrated in many parts of the world."

Looking to the future, he said: "The years ahead will bring a new emphasis on the role of the lay faithful. This is to be welcomed. It is also appropriate and necessary."