Strabane man has audience with Pontiff on St Brigid’s Day

A STRABANE man, who has been steeped in matters of religious faith and missionary work for the past 30 years, was present in Vatican City for St Brigid’s Day, and was lucky enough to spend some time with Pope Francis.

Gerard Gallagher, secretary general of the Association of Leaders of Missionaries & Religious of Ireland (AMRI) was part of a delegation which brought an exhibition to the Vatican reflecting the journey of Irish Religious Sisters at both home and abroad. It is called, ‘Daring To Hope: Irish Religious Sisters embracing the unknown.’

Speaking about his trip Gerard commented, “AMRI brought the exhibition to the Vatican and because the visit coincided with St Brigid’s Day, I was fortunate enough, along with Sister Louise O’Rourke, to be part of the Pontiff’s weekly audience and got to meet him. I presented the Holy Father with a couple of books to do with the work we undertake at AMRI and also a book on St Brigid. It’s always an honour to meet the Pontiff.”

As someone steeped in religious life, this was not the first time that Gerard had been to the Vatican nor even the first time meeting the Pope. The Strabane man has been fortunate enough to meet Pope Francis on several occasions and has even met two of his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and John Paul II.

“Pope Francis is a lovely man but I wouldn’t be so bold as to suggest that he would remember me to be honest!” said Gerard humbly.

He continued, “That said, he certainly remembers Ireland and has a great fondness for the country and the people. In fact, Pope Francis was based in Milltown in Dublin for a time and that’s where he learnt English, so we have that claim to fame as it were.”

Asked whether there are any plans for future visits in the offing, Gerard joked, “No, nothing right now. But Rome is a beautiful and historic city so I’m always open to offers!”

Currently, ‘Daring To Hope’ is on a country-wide tour and will be showing in the North from October 16 in Armagh Cathedral.