“A web of evil” – Bishop’s powerful drugs warning during funeral of English family

The funeral mass of Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden English took place in Waterford yesterday afternoon.

The coffins of Callum and Jayden were placed between those of their parents on the altar at the Sacred Heart Church, as hundreds gathered to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes.

Closing remarks of the funeral were made by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, who spoke candidly and firmly about the dangers of the drug trade.

“This tragedy has shocked us all to the core” the Bishop said.

“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 said that as a country, Ireland has not faced up to the scourge of drugs on our communities.

“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” he said.

Amidst this, words of warning were issued by the Bishop.

He remarked:

“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. And I encourage anyone with information to convey it confidentially to the authorities.

 “Pope Francis often said that “'everything is connected' and anyone who deals in drugs is contributing to a deadly darkness. And 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.

“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.” 

Bishop Cullinan concluded yesterday's funeral mass with the following words, in remembrance of the English family.

“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.” 

Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden, were laid to rest together at Kilbarry Cemetery following the funeral.