Diocesan News
Bishop Samuel Poyntz – Reflection by the Archbishop of Dublin
‘The first time I met Bishop Poyntz was when I was a student in Trinity College. On Sunday evenings I attended Evensong in St Ann’s, Dawson Street, where he was the Vicar. His combination of personal friendliness and commitment to God and Gospel have proved to be a lasting inspiration to me personally and to countless other people with whom I have spoken since his recent death.
During the retirement that he and Mrs Poyntz enjoyed in Dublin, it was always a delight to share ministry with him formally and informally. His gift of encouragement remained as fresh as ever and his ministry was now infused by the wisdom of experience as a result of being bishop successively of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and Connor Dioceses. I also had the privilege of visiting him in hospital and in the nursing home where he resided until very recently. The same interest in events, love of people and commitment to a future that he knew deep down was in the hands of God shone through. He was comfortable with God and prayer came readily to his lips.
Attending his Funeral Service today, participating in Holy Communion and saying a very personal farewell, with his immediate family and once again in St Ann’s, Dawson Street, I could not but think of the strong and comforting words: ‘Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit, for it is Thou, Lord, only that makest me dwell in safety.’
May those same strong hands of Almighty God uphold his wife and family and all who mourn the loss of him today and all days.
The Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson
Archbishop of Dublin
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 235 6472
Mrs Lynn Glanville
dcodublin@gmail.com