Pope Francis accepts resignation of Cardinal Seán Brady

By Patsy Mcgarry
Irish Times
September 8, 2014

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-cardinal-se%C3%A1n-brady-1.1921616

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán Brady as Archbishop of Armagh and Catholic Primate of All Ireland.

Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin automatically succeeds to both positions under canon law.

Cardinal Brady, who was 75 on August 16th last, submitted his resignation letter in July. As also required by canon law, every bishop must do so on reaching the age of 75. However he remains a cardinal for life and may take part in papal elections (conclaves) until he is 80.

In a statement this morning, Cardinal Brady congratulated Dr Martin and thanked the priests and people of the Armagh archdiocese and of Ireland as well as members of the other churches for “their welcome, friendship and so much kindness over many years.”

He said he hoped “to live near Armagh and to continue pursuing these aims by helping out pastorally wherever I can and whenever I am needed. I am looking forward to retirement and, no doubt, it will take me some time to get used to it, but it will be good to have more time for family, friends and to follow the football!”

In a separate statement, Dr Martin thanked Cardinal Brady and said it was “a day for us to recognise the years of service which you have given to the Church in Armagh and beyond”.

He added: “At the same time he always presents as a gentle and humble man who is never fully comfortable in the limelight. I want to thank Cardinal Sean personally for the kindness he has shown me since I came to Armagh last year, and for allowing me every opportunity to get to know the diocese. I know that I can count on his prayers and support in the years to come.”

Dr Martin said he felt” humbled to be following in the footsteps of St Patrick, and like him, I pray for ‘God’s strength to pilot me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s shield to protect me’.”

He said he will hold a Mass in Armagh Cathedral on Tuesday October 7th, the Feast of the Holy Rosary, to “ask for God’s blessing”.

Cardinal Brady was ordained a priest 50 years ago in 1964. A native of Drumcalpin near Laragh Co Cavan he attended national school there before goinbg on to St Patrick’s College Cavan.

In 1957, he entered St Patrick’s College Maynooth where he obtained a degree in ancient classics in 1960. He furthered his studies in Rome at the Irish College and secured a licentiate in theology in 1964. He was ordained that same year in Rome before continuing his studies in canon law in which he secured a doctorate in 1967.