This morning the mortal remains of Cardinal Paul Cullen RIP were transferred from the tomb under the altar of Holy Cross College Chapel, Clonliffe, to the crypt in Saint Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Dublin. The liturgy was presided over by Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Cardinal Cullen’s successor as Archbishop of Dublin.
Cardinal Cullen died in 1878 and his remains have rested under the high altar of the chapel of Holy Cross College for over a century. The sale of the college necessitated that his body be reinterred in the crypt of the Pro Cathedral.
Addressing a small gathering in the crypt Archbishop Farrell prayed, “We come together to bring the body of Cardinal Paul Cullen, my predecessor, to its new resting place. Together let us pray some Psalms that here, his body – together with all those interred in this crypt – will rest in God’s safety.”
During the nineteenth century Cardinal Cullen made an immense contribution to the fields of religious, social, educational, and ecclesiastical reform in Ireland. He holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first Cardinal, Archbishop of Armagh (1850 – 1852) and later Archbishop of Dublin (1852 – 1878).
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- Photographs from this morning’s liturgical ceremony are available by emailing [email protected]
- Cardinal Paul Cullen was created cardinal by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1866.
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long +353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Katie Crosby +353 (0) 86 862 3298.
