FOR SOME the idea of His Holiness Pope Francis enjoying a 99 cone at one of Wexford’s beautiful beaches would be bordering on insanity, however, Wexford County Council are doing their best to try and get Wexford on the list of places to host the Pope as part of his forthcoming proposed visit to Ireland.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Tony Dempsey and Mayor of Wexford Ger Carthy yesterday signed a formal letter of invitation to Pope Francis, inviting the Holy Father to come and spend some time in the Sunny South East.
The invitation comes as hopes rise of a possible papal visit to Ireland in 2018. It is understood that the Pontiff’s representative in Dublin, Archbishop Charles Brown, has already held high-level talks with senior Government figures here and there is now increasing confidence in relation to the possibility of a papal visit to Ireland, the first since 1979.
While the logistical challenges of a papal visit would be considerable, the council are fully supporting an ambitious plan to make the Model County part of a possible 2018 visit.
“As the possibility of a 2018 papal visit to Ireland increases, we join with people all over Ireland in praying for its success,” said Cllr Tony Dempsey. “Wexford County Council, on behalf of the people of Wexford, would be honoured to support a visit by His Holiness to our County and we pledge to do our utmost to help make this ambitious plan a reality”.
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Ger Carthy added: “Naturally we would be honoured and delighted to welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to Wexford, should his itinerary allow. We are blessed in having a very ancient Marian pilgrimage site in the diocese – Our Lady’s Island – renowned for its tranquillity and unspoilt setting. It would make a most fitting and unique location for a visit by His Holiness and would be a wonderful recognition of Lady’s Island which is such a special place and which has been a place of pilgrimage and prayer for centuries”
Dates of a possible visit have been annouced as August 22 to 26, 2018, coinciding with the World Meeting of Families which will be held in Dublin.
Could the Pope possibly be about to enjoy some trademark Wexford sunshine?