Churches united in enthusiasm for Queen’s visit

Churches united in enthusiasm for Queen’s visit


Trevor Quinn

Representatives of the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland view Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in a positive light, with both Fr Kevin Hegarty (Belmullet) and Reverend Val Rogers (Westport) describing the visit as ‘symbolic’.
Speaking to The Mayo News about the visit, Fr Hegarty said: “There are visits by heads of state to Ireland on a regular basis from all over the world. This one has enormous significance, however, in that it is a visit by our nearest neighbour and it is the first visit by the British head of state since we became an independent country.”
Revd Rogers said: “I think the relationship is very strong already, but I think this visit will strengthen it a little more. We’re living among each other and we enjoy each other. We have great interest in our football and rugby teams, and recently they have even gained some respect for our cricket team.”
Fr Kevin Hegarty described Ireland and the United Kingdom as “two independent nations recognising each other and engaging in mutual interaction and mutual respect.”
Revd Rogers said the visit will enhance the relationship between Ireland and its nearest neighbour. “Ireland’s population is very mixed. There’s lots of English people living in the west, and many of those people love the west and have been living here for many years. I’m glad that she’s coming to Ireland, the same way that I’d be glad if the head of state of Norway or Slovenia was visiting.”
Fr Hegarty echoed these sentiments, saying he sees the visit as an indication of our growth and development as a country. “I welcome the visit. I think it is a sign of a better relationship between Britain and Ireland, and it’s a sign of maturity. It’s a sign that we as an independent, democratic republic are always willing to receive visits by heads of states of friendly countries.”
Commenting on her visits to Croke Park and the Garden of Remembrance, Revd Rogers said: “It seems to be an effort to be evenhanded. She’s remembering the dead from the First World War. In Europe, the Russians invited the Polish to visit the Katyn Forest to remember their dead and similarly I think this is an effort for old wounds to be healed.”
Fr Hegarty pointed out that Croke Park and the Garden of Remembrance “are iconic places in Irish history and it is appropriate that she is recognising and being respectful of our history.”