The bishops are determined to go to Gaza to help remind the small Christian community that they are not forgotten as Christians.
“Western nations are not doing enough. They have shown that the resources of Africa are more important than the ordinary people," Bishop Kukah.
The annual fast began twenty-eight years ago and has since raised an estimated €750,000 for worthy causes.
Crosscare will give unwanted items to people living with very little, as well as the homeless.
“For me, returning home is like being reborn. I can’t even begin to describe the joy I am feeling," - Elias Ghattas.
In his Christmas homily, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin says Christmas is a moment when our faith emerges, even if we have drifted away from regular practice of that faith.
“I can’t understand why people would choose to attack Greta Thunberg. She is passionate about what she believes; she is only a young girl and she is speaking prophetically to the world and what do we do – we attack her. We attack her message."
While we acknowledge that points of difference obviously remain, the goal of restoring devolution remains within reach – Ireland’s church leaders.
“I wish each and every one of you a peaceful and happy Christmas and a new year of hope and possibility,” says President Michael D. Higgins.
“A new language of racism, mostly opportunistic, understated, but no less toxic, has emerged in our public and political discourse, stoking hostility towards the ‘other’ and testing our own sense of hospitality for the first time,” warned Fr Michael Mullaney.
My thoughts turn to families in our own diocese who have welcomed the birth of a child during this past year and to those who are expecting a baby in the near future – Bishop Kevin Doran.
For the eighth year running, ACN is providing Christmas parcels for displaced children, including warm clothes, shoes, toys, devotional items and other essentials.
This was the moment God changed the course of human history – Bishop Fintan Gavin and Bishop Paul Colton.
“Christians are called to make the connection between faith and earth, between theology and ecology, constructing common cause with those who challenge confinement and usher in freedom. This is where we will find Jesus Christ today” – Archbishop Michael Jackson.
IFA President thanks the Lord Mayor for his hospitality and asks people to think of making a contribution to the Lord Mayor’s Fuel Fund, which helps families in need.
"We encourage all Catholics to make time during the season of Advent to celebrate and receive the gift of God’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation” – Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The Christmas Retreat will be packed full of talks with top Catholic lay and religious speakers, workshops, time to hang out, music, prayer, sacraments and more.
The season of Advent marks the beginning of the Catholic new year and the time of spiritual preparation for the Lord’s coming at Christmas. It is a time of waiting, conversion and hope – Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Christmas puts serious strain on the resources of those who seek help from the SVP.
"Last year alone more than 50,000 gifts were distributed to families in need locally," said Major Paul Kingscott, the Salvation Army’s divisional leader.
The most recent Irish census showed that the fastest growing religious belief was what it called the Orthodox branch of Christianity.
With Christianity on the verge of extinction in its birthplace, it is time for concerted action that begins to turn the tide, says British Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt.
Archbishop Eamon Martin urges people to continue to witness to the fact that there are two lives worthy of protection.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin ponders implications of Irish people’s expressed concern that the celebration of Christmas has become too commercial.
“May all of us, by our love, bring light and hope to all whose lives are troubled this Christmas.”
Students at Dublin school are hopeful they can match last year's donations which raised almost €200,000 for Focus Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust and Home Again.
“Very many are under great strain because accommodation and housing is scarce or beyond their reach. A new political impetus is required along with real determination to make inroads into this critical need in so many people’s lives” – Bishop William Crean, Cloyne.
“In the clear, cold night of Christmas Eve, his voice carried very far. The shooting had stopped and in that silence he sang and the British knew the song and sang back.”
“Think for a moment of what it would be like this Christmas to be without a home. To be without a place of shelter. To be out in the cold. To be on your own, living on the streets.”
"Advent also prepares us for the second coming of Christ at the end of time. As Christians, we must always be prepared for the coming of the Lord." – Archbishop Eamon Martin.
