“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.
This was the moment God changed the course of human history – Bishop Fintan Gavin and Bishop Paul Colton.
The Icon card includes the official WMOF2018 prayer and is designed so that it can be set up on the mantelpiece and used throughout the year or used as the prayer before the family sits down to Christmas dinner this year
“Christmas asks of us that we turn from singing carols to raising our voices to ensure the voices of the vulnerable are heard and their needs recognised” - Archbishop Michael Jackson.
The icon, which was written by Mihai Cucu, will be accompanied by petition boxes, and contemplative communities around Ireland have agreed to take petitions collected from families and to pray for them during the coming year.
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales praises “witness and strength” of small Catholic community of 170 people out of a total population of 1.8 million.
"I heard figures recently suggesting that the average 16 year old in Great Britain is more likely to have a iPhone at home than their dad" - Bishop Donal McKeown.
Archbishop Michael Jackson calls for "courage in a time of fragility” in his reflection on the impact of the terror attacks one month on.
“Once again the ugly consequences of war have caused multitudes of good people to take great risks as they seek refuge in foreign lands.”
On the feast of the Holy Family, Archbishop Neary suggests that “An awareness of the beauty of marital love must be constantly renewed and safe-guarded."
On the feast of the Holy Family, Pontiff urges all to pray for families facing difficulties and who lack unity.
In his Christmas message, Bishop Kevin Doran says the equal dignity of every person is beyond doubt.
Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal, appeals on behalf of the people of Gaza.
The elderly may be "hidden exiles" who are marginalised and treated as burdens within their own families.
"We easily forget how deeply the narrative of Jesus, Mary and Joseph has shaped Ireland and Europe."
“Family and home go together.”
