The World Food Programme says that COVID fall-out threatens famines of ‘biblical proportions’, with an additional 265 million people possibly facing starvation by the end of 2020.

"Children born in Ireland, even those who spent nearly their entire life in the US, fared worse that those born in the US, potentially reflecting exposure to famine condition," say Vanderbilt University researchers.

In Ireland, the Society of St Vincent de Paul receives more than 130,000 calls for assistance a year – about 11 percent more than it did five years ago.

Ongoing conflict sees Yemen suffering the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

Globally, 124 million people are suffering from acute hunger and, in some cases, starvation – an increase from 80 million two years ago.

“The food they have in these camps is not enough. Some of them get only one meal a day.” – Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur of Khartoum

According to Dublin diocesan archivist, Noelle Dowling, some of the material on display on Friday night includes photographs and letters of thanks and appreciation from Vietnam, which suffered devastation during 20 years of war from 1955 until 1975.

“At a time when a record number of people around the world are displaced by violence, the international community needs to stand behind international law to ensure safety for people who have been forced to flee as a result of famine or civil unrest.”

In the Turkana region in the north of Kenya, around 30 per cent of people are severely malnourished, warns Trócaire.

Trócaire workers are responding to this humanitarian crisis with dedication, courage and selflessness.

Over 24 million people currently rely on food aid in South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya due to a combination of drought and conflict.

As head of the diplomatic corps in Ethiopia at the time of the famine, Archbishop Thomas White was responsible for coordinating the contributions of many countries and charities in support of those who were starving.

Cholera cases are increasing every day, because conditions in the camps are unhygienic, there is poor water supply, and people arrive already weak from hunger.

Aid has delivered so many success stories. Unfortunately, the spread of conflicts and the worsening impacts of climate change are increasingly out-pacing those efforts.

The plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people who have struggled to live and integrate into new cultures.

Pope Francis urged people to “commit not to stop at making statements, but also to provide concrete food aid and to allow it to reach suffering populations.”

Michael D. Higgins criticises European nations' failure to respond to their humanitarian obligations at Famine commemoration.

Last year was the busiest ever for the Peter McVerry Trust which saw a 40% increase in the number of people supported in housing.

The parish of Devenish's memorial "calls us to address the poverty and famine in our own world today and constantly answer the call of the Gospel to reach out to those in need.”

Trócaire and Concern underline their financial transparency and accountability.

“The arrival of Mother Joseph Harnett back to her native Castleisland during those dark days brought light to a lot of people in the area.”

“Migrants are our brothers and sisters in search of a better life, far away from poverty, hunger and exploitation, much like our forefathers at the time of the famine."

“Once again the ugly consequences of war have caused multitudes of good people to take great risks as they seek refuge in foreign lands.”

“We have to be careful of the fear factor that is sometimes generated on this issue and instead look at more creative ways of welcoming people into the country”: Primate.

Nuclear bombings in August 1945 are a “symbol of the enormous destructive power of humanity when it makes a distorted use of scientific and technical progress”.

Hasty evacuation of three local staff from Melut to Juba following heavy fighting.

“Ireland has always been one of the strongest supporters of the United Nations and some 90 Irish soldiers have lost their lives in the quest for worldwide peace.”

Motivation must be the spread of the Kingdom of God through the building up of human solidarity and a more just world: Bishop McKeown

1.5 million people have been displaced and 4 million face hunger.

"People are on the edge of starvation. This conflict has been devastating and very inhuman" - Mgr Roko Taban Mousa.