Monaghan archbishop who died in Brussells helped 'nourish the Christian heart and soul of Europe'
Tributes paid to Archbishop Treanor
Tributes have been paid to Archbishop Noël Treanor, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Down and Connor, who passed away last Sunday, August 11, suddenly in Brussels.
Archbishop Treanor, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, is formerly from Silverstream, Tyholland, Co Monaghan and Belfast.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, led the praise.
On behalf of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, he expressed his sadness and shock at Archbishop Noël’s premature passing.
"At this sad time for all who knew him across Ireland, Europe and throughout the universal Church, I join with Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Down and Connor, and with Bishop Larry Duffy of his native diocese of Clogher, in offering my prayers for the happy repose of the soul of Archbishop Noël, and for the comfort of his brother, sister, extended family members and close friends at this difficult time.
"In a special way I remember the priests, religious and faithful of the dioceses of Down and Connor, and of Clogher," said Archbishop Martin, who is also president of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
In June, he revealed that he met Archbishop Noël when he spoke to the Plenary Assembly of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences which took place in Belgrade, Serbia.
"He followed closely in the footsteps and spirit of the founding fathers of closer European unity, including Venerable Robert Schuman whom he had honoured recently at Luxeil les Bains in France.
"Archbishop Noël served most of his ordained ministry in working to forge positive relations with partner countries of the European Union and to help nourish the Christian heart and soul of Europe," said Archbishop Martin.
At the meeting in Belgrade, bishops reflected on the future of the Christian faith in Europe.
"Archbishop Noël’s keen intellect, insight and leadership provided an invaluable contribution to our discussion," said Archbishop Martin.
"May the light of Heaven shine upon Archbishop Noël; may God in His loving mercy look kindly upon him, comfort his relatives, friends, colleagues and former parishioners, and may he receive the welcome of the good and faithful servant. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís," he concluded.
Archbishop Noël Treanor was predeceased by his father John and mother Molly.
He will be sadly missed by his brother John (Margaret) and sister Mary (Jim), nephew John Thomas and nieces Lisa, Rachael, Catharine, Erin and Rhíannon, extended family, clergy, colleagues and friends.
His funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.