Bishop Niall Coll is Bishop of Ossory (Catholic Communications Office archive)

Bishop Coll: for many there is a crisis of hope, life lacks meaning, direction, purpose

• This Mass was celebrated by Bishop Niall Coll in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, Diocese of Ossory, on Sunday 29 December 2024.
• A Jubilee Year is celebrated every twenty-five years by the worldwide Church during which Catholics come together to rejoice in the faith. Over the Jubilee Year we will be encouraged to show mercy, forgive past wrongs, relieve debt, to spiritually rejuvenate, and be offered an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence.

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Archbishop Farrell

Archbishop Farrell: the injustices in Gaza now are no justification for past injustices

In his Christmas homily, Archbishop Farrell reflects on the hope and peace symbolized by the birth of Christ amidst the harsh realities of today’s world. Drawing from his recent visit to Tigray, Ethiopia, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he highlights the suffering and resilience of displaced people. The Archbishop calls for a renewed commitment to peace, inspired by the humble birth of Jesus, and urges believers to welcome the Prince of Peace into their hearts this Christmas.

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Nativity scene, Christmas painting, generative ai

Cardinal Filoni Reflects on Humanity and Faith: A Message of Hope Amidst Global Conflict

In a recent interview, Iranian writer Azar Nafisi shared a profound reflection on humanity amidst conflict. Her book, adapted into an award-winning film at the 2024 Rome Film Festival by Israeli director Eran Riklis, recounts her experiences in Tehran during the 1980s. Nafisi’s message emphasizes the importance of remaining human in the face of violence and despair, highlighting the true meaning of Christmas and the enduring hope found in faith.

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Holy Mass at the Holy Family Latin Catholic Church04

Cardinal Pizzaballa Brings Christmas Light to Gaza: Holy Mass and Youth Confirmations on 4th Sunday of Advent

On the 4th Sunday of Advent, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Gaza to show solidarity with the Christian community. He presided over Holy Mass at the Holy Family Latin Catholic Church and administered confirmation to youths, delivering a heartfelt sermon emphasizing hope, unity, and the light of Christ during the Christmas season

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Honoured Pilgrimage: Donnacha Fahy Receives the Pilgrim Shell from Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem

On Monday, 16th December 2024, Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy, KHS had the honour of an audience with His Excellency Bishop Dr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem and Palestine, at the headquarters of the Latin Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem. Donnacha was awarded the Pilgrim Shell of the Latin Patriarchate, recognising his first pilgrimage as an invested Knight of the Equestrian Order. This moment marked the culmination of his three-week pilgrimage of solidarity to the Holy Land, where he met with the ‘living stones’ and visited sacred sites in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Jaffa, and Jerusalem.

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Christmas Manger scene art made many led bright garland lit lamps against old ancient Magdeburg Dom Church background. Light world lichterwelt city new year xmas decoration in Germany Saxony-Anhalt.

Christmas’s True Meaning: Staying Human Through Christ’s Incarnation

In a recent interview, Iranian writer Azar Nafisi shared a powerful reflection, “the will of history is to love others.” Her book, adapted into an award-winning film at the 2024 Rome Film Festival, recounts a somber story from her years in Tehran. This reflection reminds us that we must always “remain human.”

But how can we remain human in the face of violence, war, and hatred? To remain human is especially challenging in our secularized and disoriented society. For Christians, staying human is anchored in Christ, whose Incarnation signifies God becoming fully human. Despite everything, this is the true meaning of Christmas—a time to rediscover the preciousness of life and our humanity.

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Guardians of the Sacred: The Honour Guard’s Role in Protecting the Crown of Thorns at Notre Dame de Paris

The Order’s French Lieutenancy proudly serves as the honour guard for the revered Crown of Thorns relic at Notre Dame de Paris. Rescued from the 2019 cathedral fire, this relic, brought to France by King Louis IX in the 13th century, is displayed for public veneration every Friday. Recently, the Irish Lieutenancy had the honour of participating in the ceremonies marking the return of the Crown of Thorns to Notre Dame at the cathedral’s reopening. Chevalier Stephen Dorgan GCHS and Dame Barbara Dorgan DC*HS represented the Lieutenancy, with Ireland granted front-row seats for this nationally significant event. Watch the full ceremonies and witness the Order’s dedicated role at: Notre Dame de Paris Reopening.

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Uniting Hearts: The Mission of Hebrew-Speaking Catholics in Israel

On Saturday, 14th December 2024, our Irish Confrère visited Jaffa and Tel Aviv to connect with the Hebrew-speaking Catholic communities in Israel. Under the guidance of Fr Piotr Zelazko, the Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics provides pastoral care to these small but dedicated congregations across Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Beersheba, and Tiberias. This mission highlights the importance of solidarity and spiritual support within the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

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