Facebook stunt at shrine mocking death of Pope Francis branded ‘appalling'
Loyalist group shared photos taken Calvary Shrine in Omeath
The community in Omeath are shocked that loyalists mocked the death of Pope Francis at the much-loved Calvary Shrine just outside the village
Louth Sinn Fein councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille has said that the community in Omeath are shocked that images celebrating the death of Pope Francis were taken at Calvary Shrine and posted on a loyalist group's Facebook page.
She described the post on the Official Protestant Coalition page, which read 'celebrating the antichrists death at the grotto in Calvary, Omeath', as 'appalling'.
The post shows photos of a poster of a Red Hand and the word 'Ulster' along with a handwritten message with the words 'No Pope in Rome' and the Union Flag being held up at various locations around the Catholic Shrine.
Commenters on the post gave it the thumbs up saying "Oh dear. Now folks do you remember how much piss taking and disrespect republicans gave Queen Elizabeth. Well I'm sure we can return the favour' while another said that Pope Francis would 'be replaced by ANOTHER New World Order antichrist.'
Cllr MhicConchoille has condemned the social media post by the group which also shared links to anti-immigration protests in Belfast last summer.
"I was deeply disturbed to learn that our Shrine at Calvary in Omeath, a place of prayer and devotion for many, has been misused as a platform for deplorable acts of sectarianism.'
She said that it is 'profoundly troubling to witness certain individuals mocking the death of a highly respected religious leader whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the world. This behaviour goes beyond mere insensitivity; it represents a crude and alarming lack of respect that has no place in a society that should promote understanding, tolerance, and coexistence. It is essential that we unite to condemn these actions and advocate for an island that values diversity and fosters harmony among all its citizens.'
The Calvary at Omeath, which is located at Ballyoonan, has been a place of pilgrimage for many years. The site includes an oratory, the historic way or stations of the Cross, the Shrine of St. Jude, a Lourdes Grotto, the crypt of Fr Luigi Gentili the founder of the Rosminian Order in Ireland, and a reflection garden of remembrance on the shores of the Carlingford Lough.
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