08.12.2013
Archbishop of Dublin Pays Tribute to Nelson Mandela at Carol Service for International Community
Nelson Mandela’s contribution to his own nation and to the rest of the world was honoured at a Carol Service for the international community in Dublin this morning. The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson paid tribute to “a man who lived his life for others” at the Discovery International Christmas Carol Service which took place in the Church of St George and St Thomas, Cathal Brugha Street.
In a brief tribute to Nelson Mandela the Archbishop stated:
“The International Community in Dublin gathers joyously and lovingly in this church of St George and St Thomas in the heart of a truly international city. It would be remiss of me not to speak appreciatively and with sadness of the passing of Nelson Mandela. His name will ever be chiselled on the Memorial Wall of history and for special reasons.
“A long life lived with passion and commitment brought about many changes in him and in the nation to which he belonged and which, in the fulness of time, he led into a future of which so many had not even dared to dream. His stamina and idealism gave birth to patience and politics which secured dignity for the human person in South Africa such as had never been in place before and would not have happened had it not been for him – who he was and how he did it.
“The impact of his personality has been such that everyone across the world knows him as ‘one of their own.’ He has espoused values of principle, of human worth and of change and inclusion which have made it virtually impossible for unreflective conservatism to hold sway with any credibility or integrity. This is a legacy of thanksgiving.
“We in Ireland remember his gracious commitment and contribution to The Speical Olympics and to all that he shared of himself internationally from within Ireland at that time. The disabled, the poor, the needy were among those who initiated change for the better through the hand and the heart of Nelson Mandela.
“We take a moment to reflect on a life which has changed the human face of the world. We use this moment to remember the challenge and responsibility of a rainbow people of God at home and abroad. We celebrate a life lived for others by the father–figure of a nation whom many have come to regard as the father–figure of the world – Nelson Mandela.”
Meanwhile, books of condolences remain open in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm until the end of the week. All will be very welcome to come in and mark the passing of Nelson Mandela and light a candle in his memory. In Christ Church Cathedral books of condolences will be also be available for the week between the hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Photo caption: Archbishop Michael Jackson in the Church of St George and St Thomas