Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has strongly condemned recent attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland, calling them a “dreadful misrepresentation” of the true Irish welcome and the Christian values that should define the nation.
Speaking at the Syro-Malabar Community’s annual retreat in Limerick, he praised the Indian community’s deep faith, family values, and vital contribution to Irish society, particularly in healthcare, hospitality, IT, and other key sectors.
“As I have mentioned each year I’ve met you, the people in Ireland cannot but be grateful to you for the many ways you are gently but efficiently and compassionately present,” said Bishop Leahy about the Indian community’s presence in the Irish workforce.
“Your self-effacing demeanour is in such stark contrast with the horrible deeds of those engaged in recent incidents of unprovoked attacks and violence against people from India and South Asia more generally.”
Bishop Leahy reminded those gathered of the core Christian principle — treat your neighbour as yourself. “May Irish people discover more deeply what this Golden Rule means for us. It’s into our spiritual DNA. If we forget it, we create havoc,” he said.
He also urged society to ensure that prejudice is not passed on to future generations, stressing that no disagreement on policy can ever justify racism or intimidation.
