12.11.2025
Archbishop Leads Prayers at President Connolly’s Inauguration
Archbishop Michael Jackson represented the Church of Ireland at the inauguration of President Catherine Connolly in Dublin Castle yesterday (November 11). The Archbishop was among the leaders and representatives of Ireland’s main faiths who joined the Taoiseach and Tanaiste, Government ministers, former Presidents of Ireland and former Taoisigh and members of the Council of State on the dias for the ceremony.
Archbishop Jackson opened the religious part of the inauguration ceremony with the Gathering Prayer which he wrote for the occasion.
In it he said: “We gather today for the inauguration of our President, praying for discernment, wisdom and grace for her in advancing the well–being, freedom and civic engagement of all people entrusted to her care.”
He noted that the date of the inauguration fell on Remembrance Day, a fact alluded to by President Connolly in her address, and gave thanks for the end of World War in the last millennium, remembering all who gave their lives for freedom. “May our President and every member of our society be inspired to an open longing to work in harmony and collaborate in generosity to ensure that Ireland become a society and that the world become a place of justice, love and peace.”
After the ceremony the Archbishop said it had been a privilege to be invited to take part and to pray at the start of the President’s term of office.
“Participation in a Presidential Inauguration is a rare privilege for any individual. It is even more special for a person of faith to be invited to say prayers in his or her tradition of faith as The First Citizen embarks on a seven year term of leadership and service in a non–Party Political role,” he commented.
He continued: “An Taoiseach set the Inauguration in an arresting context: this event was the tenth such in the history of the Irish State and uninterrupted by war at home. This should encourage us all to exercise our civic responsibilities and opportunities. I wish to thank the Office of an Taoiseach for including me and along with me the Church of Ireland tradition in the ceremony. I wish to assure the President of our prayers and hopes as she sets about the arduous task before her”.