On July 10th the members of the Institute of Christ the King in Limerick were honored by a special visit from His Eminence, Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome. His Eminence offered Holy Mass in the Institute's Sacred Heart Church with the assistance of several Canons and seminarians of the Institute. Cardinal Burke gave a beautiful sermon on the importance of the pro-life movement in Ireland, building upon the spiritual theme of the saints whose feast was celebrated that day: the Seven Holy Brothers and Saints Rufina and Secunda. He also expressed his gratitude to the many who help with the restoration and preservation of Sacred Heart Church, which has been recently reopened by the Institute after years of closure, in downtown Limerick.
Excerpts of Cardinal Burke's Sermon
"With regard to the present struggle, in Ireland and in many parts of the world, to advance the respect for the inviolable dignity of innocent human life, proper attention must be given to the laws which govern the life of society. While the transformation of hearts is the most fundamental means of the new evangelization regarding human life, Catholics and all persons of good will must be attentive to promote laws which safeguard the dignity of human life. At the same time, one cannot ignore the irreplaceable role which law plays in culture.
"May the example and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Seven Brothers and their mother Felicitas, and of Saints Rufina and Secunda, lead us to give strong witness to divine truth and love in our families, through the communications media, by means of public manifestations, and in every dimension of our human activity and endeavor. Thus may we be one with the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the Cross, as were the Seven Brothers and their mother Felicitas, and Saints Rufina and Secunda, placing our hearts into the glorious pierced Heart of Jesus in faithful, generous and pure love of all our brothers and sisters, especially those in most need."