V. Reverend Derek Darby.

Rosary Reflections on Hope

Rosary Reflections on Hope: A Pilgrimage to Knock 2025

Join the Order of the Holy Sepulchre on a spiritual journey to Knock, Ireland, as we reflect on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. This pilgrimage, held on February 14th and 15th, 2025, offers a profound exploration of hope through the lens of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice.

The Agony in the Garden: Reflect on Jesus’ anguish in Gethsemane and pray for those suffering from mental anguish, depression, and loneliness. Remember, “I will never forsake you or abandon you” (Heb. 13:5).

The Scourging at the Pillar: Contemplate the brutal scourging of Jesus and offer prayers for the homeless, refugees, and those stripped of their dignity. Seek forgiveness for times of judgment and neglect.

The Crowning with Thorns: Meditate on Jesus’ silent suffering and the crown of thorns. Pray for the grace of forgiveness in our lives and for healing in divided families and broken relationships.

Jesus Takes Up His Cross: Follow Jesus on His path to Calvary and pray for Christians worldwide who suffer for their faith. Be inspired by their steadfastness and courage.

The Crucifixion: Witness Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross and pray for peace and political stability in conflict-ridden regions. Strive to be instruments of reconciliation and hope.

Join us in these reflections and let the hope of Christ’s love transform your life.

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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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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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Christmas Message – 2024 —The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem

The Eternal Light: A Christmas Declaration from Jerusalem’s Faithful

In these dark days of ongoing conflict and uncertainty in our region, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem remain resolute in proclaiming the timeless Christmas message of the True Light shining in the darkness: the birth of our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem. They steadfastly offer hope and renewal to their local congregations and the world, reminding us that Christ’s Nativity brought the light of God’s salvation into the world, illuminating all who would receive Him.

As spiritual leaders in the very places where Jesus was born, ministered, and rose from the dead, they continue to testify to the sacred light of Christ. Through worship at holy sites, welcoming pilgrims, and ministering to those in need, they advocate for peace, justice, and mercy in a land still fraught with turmoil. In this hopeful Christmas spirit, they call upon all Christians and people of goodwill to join in their noble mission of bringing about peace and healing in the Holy Land and beyond.

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