'May his death bring peace in Burundi'

A FRAMED picture of St Brendan the Navigator was among the gifts included in the offertory procession at his funeral Mass.

It was a fitting tribute to Archbishop Michael Courtney, a man who had navigated rough waters over the years overseas, promoting peace.

As thousands gathered at St Mary's of the Rosary Church, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, to pay their final respects to the navigator for peace, there was a special plea for forgiveness for those who had shot and killed such a great ambassador for peace worldwide.

And as his remains lay before the very same altar at which he had been ordained Titular Archbishop of Eanach Duin on November 12, 2000 the smell of incense filled the, cathedral in which there was barely standing room.

Archbishop Courtney, 58, was a splendid witness to Christ, right up to the shedding of his own blood, Cardinal Francis Arinze said in his homily. He stood in the same Church for the Archbishop's Episcopal Ordination in 2000.

It was a cruel twist that such a great man would be struck down after three years of dedicated service and on his way back from Mass on December 29, the cardinal said.

"The doctors did their best but his generous soul left his body in the operating theatre the same day. He knew it was a dedicated, difficult and dangerous task he was undertaking when he went there," the Cardinal said.

He added that he was full of compassion, goodness and love and was a man tragically killed while carrying out his mission of dialogue and conciliation.

"May his death bring peace in Burundi and in the world. I cry for this heinous act of a few typically misguided people. People of violence can not be allowed to give a negative impression of the whole country.

"Violence is a road without exit. Love and forgiveness have a future. Good Friday is not the end of the story. Easter Sunday comes two days later.

"May Archbishop Courtney's death bring grace and blessing to his country and may it bring justice, peace and reconciliation to Burundi and to places of conflict in this world," he added.

Vicar general Seamus Gardiner welcomed the 26 Church representatives, among them Cardinal Connell and Archbishop Brady, other archbishops, bishops and Church of Ireland representatives.

There was also a special welcome for the archbishop's own family, among them his sisters, Eileen, Kathleen and Mary, and his brothers, William, Louis and Jim.

The Taoiseach was represented by Commt Michael Murray and Captain Mick Treacy was there on behalf of the President.

Minister Michael Smith represented the Government and others singled out included Brigadier General Nash and the Deputy Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy.

His Excellency Athanse Gahungu, Minister for Finance in Burundi, travelled for the service, as did the Burundian Ambassador to Belgium.

Speaking to the archbishop's extended family, the vicar general said it was for them many would be praying at this difficult time.

"It is you above all who bear the heaviest burden of sadness at the loss of your beloved brother. We pray that the Lord will give you strength to bear your pain.

"We pray that his tragic death may in some way contribute to bring peace to the people of Burundi that peace for which Archbishop Michael had been working so tirelessly."