Archbishop Eamon Martin, John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and formerly Bishop of Clogher and Bishop Ian Ellis, the current Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher have all paid tribute this evening to Bishop Emeritus of Clogher Liam MacDaid who died suddenly yesterday while holidaying in France.
Archbishop Martin said he was saddened by the Bishop Emeritus' death and had worked closely with him during his years as a member of the Irish Bishop's Conference.
Describing him as a "gentle shepherd" with a wealth of wisdom and pastoral experience that was motivated by a warm concern for others, Archbishop Martin also pointed to the late Bishop's commitment to leading people in a spirit of collaboration, involving consultation and listening, and the establishment of support groups involving both priests and laity.
He said that Bishop MacDaid became a valued member of the Bishops' Conference and made "insightful contributions" to its discussions. Archbishop Martin added that he also contributed significantly to the councils and agencies of the Bishops' Conference as Vice-President of Accord - the Catholic Marriage Care Service; as a member of the Council for Marriage and the Family; and to the religious publishing agency, Veritas. He was also a strong advocate for greater road safety for young people, especially in the border region.
"One of the highlights of Bishop Liam's episcopal ministry was his hosting, in June 2012, of the Papal Legate, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, on the pilgrimage island of Lough Derg as part of the opening of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland," the Archbishop said.
"This prayerful and moving occasion included the unveiling of 'healing stone' dedicated to those who have suffered abuse within the Church and inscribed with a prayer for healing, composed by abuse survivors themselves.
"Today I will remember in my prayers the Bishop Liam's brother and extended family members, as well as the people, priests and religious in our neighbouring Diocese of Clogher." Meanwhile, a native of Bundoran in Co Donegal, the Bishop Emeritus was ordained a Priest in 1969 and was a member of the teaching staff of St Macartan's College in Monaghan for many years before serving as President of the College between 1981 and 1989.
He later served in the Parishes of Fivemiletown in Co Tyrone and in Tyholland, Co Monaghan. Bishop Liam had been a "robust junior footballer" in his youth and introduced Archbishop John McDowell to what he described as the "breathless speed and skill of Gaelic games, but only as a spectator".
He highlighted how their annual outings to Clones in the company of Bishop Joseph Duffy and Monsignor Shane McCaughey for the Senior Football Final, followed by the match analysis over a good meal, "are days which I will never forget".
"Warm friendship, wonderful company; much happiness. Nor will I ever forget the depth and sincerity of his huge pastoral heart for those in his care, or indeed of anyone who came within his orbit. Always practical and to the point; where he advised he also helped - in many ways a model of the sort of bishop which Pope Francis values - as he said, someone who had the smell of his sheep about him.
"A true friend with a deep soul," he said.
Bishop Ellis added; "News of his death has come as a great shock especially to his family and we hold them and his close friends and colleagues in our prayers at this time. May they know the consolation of the loving care of the Good Shepherd at this difficult time."
