Joyous finale as Pope’s words receive standing ovation

He might have been over 1,000 miles away in Rome, but the words of Pope Benedict prompted a standing ovation after they echoed around a packed Croke Park yesterday.

It was a joyous end to a memorable week for Catholics from all over the world, gathered in Dublin for the final Mass of the 50th Eucharistic Congress.

Tens of thousands of delegates braved atrocious weather throughout the week, but even that could not dampen the extraordinary celebratory spirit surrounding the congress.

Principal celebrant for the Statio Orbis Mass was papal legate Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who said they could rely on the Lord for a new beginning.

“We have experienced failures of the Church, but the Lord sustains us, healing our wounds and strengthening our faith.”

Cardinal Ouellet was joined by nine co-principal celebrants, including Cardinal Sean Brady and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

President Michael D Higgins and the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, joined the congregation for a closing ceremony that featured The Priests and soprano Celine Byrne.

Former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave also attended the event — he was a 12-year-old boy when the last Congress was held in Dublin in 1932.