THE FORMER Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Dr Michael Russell (88), was laid to rest at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford city yesterday.
More than 700 mourners filled the cathedral at Barronstrand Street to pay their respects. Hundreds more had, at the cathedral on Tuesday evening and throughout Wednesday as Bishop Russell reposed, made their farewells to a much-loved figure.
Dr William Lee, current Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, was the principal celebrant in yesterday’s ceremony. The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady, presided.
The chief mourners included brothers of the late bishop Conor and Seán Russell.
In his homily, Bishop Lee told them: “I was privileged to spend some time with Bishop Russell on the day before he died. He was weak; he knew the end was near and he was anxious for a chat…We talked at length and he spoke from the heart. There was something very serene about his passing.”
Along with numerous priests from the Waterford diocese and beyond, many leading figures from Ireland’s Christian denominations were present.
President Mary McAleese the Taoiseach Brian Cowen were represented.
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