Sir, —
It has been reported in the Church Review that The Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson — Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin — said in his sermon at the Fr John Sullivan SJ Mass on 21st February 2026 that ‘there may be no such category as “ecumenical saint”. However, I think that John Sullivan qualifies for such a description were it ever possible’.
To put this in context: in May 2017, the ‘Beatification Ceremony’ for John Sullivan took place — the first such Ceremony in Ireland. The Most Reverend Jackson attended. In fact, I understand that the formal request for the Beatification was made by the Roman Catholic Archbishop and the Church of Ireland Archbishop together.
Finding this sad and alarming, I sent a letter to the Gazette (June 2017). In light of said article from the Church Review, perhaps the points from my letter of 2017 on the subjects of beatification / canonisation / sainthood could be revisited. Some people may believe that beatification is the last stage leading to canonisation or sainthood. This is far from what the Bible teaches which, for many, is the only authority in all matters of faith and practice. It is clear from St Paul’s Epistles in the New Testament that, in addressing saints, he is addressing people who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who are living and worshipping in a particular place. Examples include: Romans 1:6–7 ; I Corinthians 1:1–2 ; II Corinthians 1:1–2 ; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1–2.
On this subject, a hymn for All Saints’ Day by The Most Reverend and Right Honourable William D Maclagan — 187 in the last Church of Ireland Hymnal, but not included in the present one — is worth reading and pondering.
Yours, etc.,
Ms Muriel Armstrong
(Drogheda, County Louth)
