Martyred Iraqi priest, who had stayed at the Irish College in Rome, returned to his home country despite the dangers because he felt that "Without their pastor the flock would be lost".

We are not victims of chance or swept up in a series of unconnected events. On the contrary, our life and our presence in this world is the fruit of a divine vocation, says Pope Francis.

“At present, there are 90 priests ministering in our diocese; 27 of them are over 75. This stark figure reminds us that a radical reappraisal of what a parish community should be, how it should be organised, co-ordinated, funded and ministered, is necessary.”

Church cannot be concerned with self preservation but must 'be' good news to the world.