REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE UNVEILING OF THE WAYFARER’S CROSS CLANE, CO. KILDARE
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE UNVEILING OF THE WAYFARER’S CROSS CLANE, CO. KILDARE THURSDAY, 3RD JUNE 1999
Tá áthas an domhain orm bheith anseo libh inniu. Míle bhuíochas libh as an chaoin-chuireadh.
I have great pleasure in being with you today to unveil this splendid Wayfarer’s cross which has been erected as a result of the hard work and dedication of all those associated with the Ecumenical Group here in Clane. I would like to especially thank Fr. Dennis Harrington for his kind invitation and words of welcome.
The Wayfarer’s cross has a symbolism for us today beyond the practical purpose that it held in years gone by, when it signalled the approach to a monastery town. It symbolises the common roots which we of all Christian denominations share. In historical times, it pointed the way to the Abbey, that seat of learning and light which shone like a beacon amid the darkness of medieval Europe. Today in Ireland, we need such symbols of hope. It is therefore appropriate that the site of the Abbey, on which a Church of Ireland church and cemetery were built, is now a Community Centre used by this Ecumenical Group. It marks a return to a form of unity among our people. It shows that unity does not require uniformity, that it is possible for different groups to co-operate and exist in harmony, respecting each other’s difference while working together towards a common aim.
I would like to warmly commend everyone involved in the Ecumenical Group for your initiative in erecting the Wayfarer’s Cross. I am especially pleased that we are joined here today by teachers and pupils of Scoil Bhríde Girls National School; Scoil Phádraig Boys National School; Hewetson Church of Ireland National School; Clane Community School and Clongowes Wood College. For the message that all of you in the Ecumenical Group have imparted, not just in erecting the Wayfarer’s Cross, but in your daily acts of prayer and co-operation, is an important one for our young people. It brings that old beacon of light which the Abbey represented, to life in a very real way, as well as reminding us of the many ancient stories, customs, folklore and tradition associated with Wayfarer’s Crosses right around the country.
This is a most fitting project to mark the millennium, for it peels back the curtain of time on our history, giving us a window on that world from which we come and from which we have drawn inspiration for over a millennium. Now facing the 3rd millennium, it is even more important that we understand and respect where we have come from, in order to go forward with confidence and in harmony into the future. The cross sends a clear message - one Mother Teresa put so well - "We have to give until it hurts". It is about generosity, humility and utter respect for every person no matter who they are. Its about loving each other no matter what and for nothing.
I would like to say a special word of thanks to the boys and girls who formed the guard of honour for me today. I know it took a great sacrifice to tear yourselves away from your schoolwork! But I think your teachers will agree there are other types of learning – just as important as anything on the curriculum – and today’s celebration is one of those.
My thanks once again to the Ecumenical Group on this splendid project. Your work shows in a very practical way how fortunate we are in Ireland to have so many people of goodwill, generous spirit and dedication. I wish you every success in all your future endeavours.
Tá tréan oibre déanta agaibh anseo. Guím gath rath air san am atá le teacht.