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Church of Ireland Archbishops pay tribute to Archbishop Noel Treanor
The late Archbishop Noel Treanor photographed in St. Sillian's Church of Ireland Tyholland.
Both Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Michael Jackson have paid tribute to Archbishop Noel Treanor, following his death at the weekend, remembering their time as Bishop of Clogher.
Archbishop Noel Treanor, a native of the Tyholland area of Co. Monaghan, was latterly serving as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union and was a former Bishop of Down and Connor.
Archbishop John McDowell said; “I was profoundly shocked to hear of the sudden death of Archbishop Noel Treanor, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union and, for many years prior to that, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor, a vast and demanding diocesan area with a commensurate workload.
“Prior to returning to Ireland to take up episcopal ministry, Archbishop Noel was the Director of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) where he used his considerable diplomatic and academic skills to ensure that Christian values were advocated for at the heart of the European Union.
“Archbishop Noel hailed from Tyholland in Co. Monaghan and retained a strong affection and many connections in that beautiful Border parish. I got to know Archbishop Noel well through work which we did together in relation to the impact of Brexit.
“When I was Bishop of Clogher I was delighted when he accepted an invitation to speak at an ecumenical gathering in the little Church of Ireland parish church in Tyholland. Noel was always extremely well prepared for any engagement and arrived with a hefty volume of paper in his case. However, half-way through his address he abandoned his notes and spoke directly to many people in that small Protestant community whose families he had grown up with and for whom he had a clear and clear-eyed affection. It was a truly memorable occasion.
“Noel was a most accomplished linguist moving freely between English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. Although not someone given to emotional flourishes, he was a wonderful host and dialogue partner and I well remember a very convivial dinner he shared with Archbishop Eamon Martin and me when we called on Noel at his home in Brussels en route to a ceremony in Messines.
“Archbishop Noel’s final posting in Brussels was one of immense complexity and diplomatic delicacy which must have been a challenge to his naturally perfectionist instincts; yet never verbose, he was always worth listening to.
“My prayers and sympathy go to his brother John and his sister Mary as I reflect with warmth and gratitude on a deeply civilised and widely read episcopal colleague but above all faithful disciple of our common Lord.”
Ar dheis De go raibh an anam
Archbishop Michael Jackson issued the following statement;
“Everyone involved in Christian witness and engagement in Ireland and beyond is saddened by the death of Archbishop Noel Treanor.
“The ecumenical life of Europe was instinctive to him and he made a sustained contribution over decades through COMECE and more recently as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union.
“He also brought this wisdom and grace to bear on the Christian Churches in Ireland through being Bishop of Down and Connor.
“I first met Noel in the Diocese of Clogher that is native to us both. Bishop Joseph Duffy and I felt that parishes should mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in their parishes and communities during The Octave of Prayer. We held gatherings on the afternoon of Pentecost Sunday in a range of different ecclesiastical sites outdoors.
“Noel spoke at one of those held in his native County Monaghan with ease and eloquence, with faith and friendliness. He moved gracefully among neighbours, school friends and family members.
“I wish to record his personal friendship and support over many years. I wish also to express my condolences to his bereaved family members, fellow priests and bishops.
“Most of all I want to thank God for the opportunity to know a good man.
“May Noel rest in peace and rise in glory.”