Call for action on ‘web of evil’ drugs trade at funeral of Waterford arson attack victims
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan made the comments at the funeral of four members of the English family, which was held in Waterford this afternoon
The Bishop of Waterford has called for action on the drugs trade at the funeral of the victims of last week’s arson attack in Waterford city.
Requiem Mass for the late Philip and Kim English, as well as their sons Callum and Jayden, was held in the Sacred Heart Church this afternoon.
It was con-celebrated by parish priest Fr Gerry Chestnutt and the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan.
Whilst delivering his closing remarks, Bishop Cullinan passed on his deepest sympathies to the English and Companjen families.
He continued: “This tragedy has shocked us all to the core. How heart-wrenching it is to see four coffins before this sacred altar.
“This entire community and the whole country join in loving solidarity with the family and many friends of Phil, Kim, Callum and Jayden, as we also hold in prayer Nadia and Elliott, who are in critical condition in hospital.
“Four beautiful, innocent lives have been taken: two loving, devoted parents who did the best for their children, and their two sons – all innocent victims of a web of evil which is the drugs trade.”
Bishop Cullinan called for action to be taken to tackle the problem of drugs in Irish society.
“As a country we have not really faced up to this problem and it is a fact that in every city, town, village and townland harmful drugs are available.
“Up and down this dear land, people are turning to drugs.
“Young lives and the lives of the not-so-young are being destroyed by drugs, and those who work behind the scenes need to see the consequences of their dark trade and atone for their sin.
“I encourage anyone with information to convey it confidentially to the authorities.”
He said that anyone who takes drugs in any capacity is contributing to the drugs trade and its impacts.
“Pope Francis often said that ‘everything is connected’ and anyone who deals in drugs is contributing to a deadly darkness.
“Anyone in Ireland who thinks that there is no harm in taking a line of cocaine on the weekend is utterly mistaken and is also feeding this evil machine.
“The use of drugs is a choice and a physical and spiritual problem. The human spirit seeks to be filled by love and meaning. Many people look in the wrong places.”
Bishop Cullinan called on everyone in attendance to join him in opposition to the drugs trade.
“I do not come to judge. I ask you all to join with me in saying this must stop. We must see what is happening to our country and our communities.
“If the demand for drugs dries up then the supply disappears. Please join with me in proclaiming that there is another way to live, a better way to live.”
He also said that people’s spiritual vacuum cannot be filled by drugs but by love, purpose, family, friends and God.
“Maybe the deaths of Kim and Phil, Callum and Jayden will bring about a change for good.
“Maybe we will see we can change the direction which many are taking and find a better way to live with hope and love and faith.”
The four members of the English family were subsequently laid to rest in Kilbarry Cemetery.
Hundreds of people attended the Mass, including family, friends, neighbours, local politicians and many public representatives.
The Government was represented by Waterford TDs and Ministers Mary Butler and John Cummins.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was also in attendance, as was Garda Superintendent Anthony Pettit.
Gardaí are continuing with their murder investigation into the fatal house fire in Birchwood on Tuesday last.
Jessica Dalton (31) and Cian Stacey (21) appeared in court over the weekend in connection with the arson attack.
They were each charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm.
The pair were remanded in custody to appear before Waterford District Court tomorrow morning.