Reflections
The House was filled with the fragrance of the perfume
Our Lieutenancy Secretary, Confrère Mark Kane, KHS, has recently had the opportunity and pleasure to read the excellent publication The […]
November Reflection
November is the month dedicated to the Holy Souls. For many it is the bleakest and most difficult month of […]
Plenary Indulgence
A Plenary Indulgence may be acquired by members, with the conditions of confession, communion and prayers for the intentions of […]
Easter Reflection
I write these notes for Easter in mid-Lent and I have no idea how the painful and dispiriting events in […]
From the Holy Land
Reflections from the Holy Land: Hope must replace Despair!
Recent months brought hope with ceasefire agreements in Lebanon and Gaza, leading to temporary relief and humanitarian aid. However, the ceasefire collapsed on March 18, and Israel resumed intense military attacks on Gaza, resulting in over 50,000 deaths, including many women and children. The reimposed embargo has created a severe humanitarian crisis, making Gaza uninhabitable for its 2.2 million residents. The West Bank faces similar hardships with blockades, settler violence, and high unemployment. Despite the dire situation, the Latin Patriarchate continues to provide essential humanitarian aid and support to local communities. The global community's support remains crucial in these challenging times.
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.
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.
Interview with George Akroush, project coordinator for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Donnach Fahy recorded a conversation with George Akroush. George Akroush, project coordinator for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, speaks candidly […]
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.
Another Sad Christmas
It is hard to believe that another year is ending and that we are already in the advent season. Christmas […]
Praying for peace at the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
From Chevalier Donnacha Fahy, KHS a member of the Lieutenancy of Ireland: This Tuesday morning detailing his experience in Jerusalem […]
Visit the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Spontaneous introductory visit to the principal places inside the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. We start at the lowest level in […]
Patriarchs and heads of the churches in jerusalem
Statement on the urgent need to conclude the present war and turn from the pursuit of death and destruction towards […]
A heartfelt message in view of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th 2024
Extract from: https://www.vaticannews.va/ Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has addressed Christians in the Holy Land with a […]
We should not forget the Christian minority in Palestine and Israel
Aid should not be based on religion, but Christians face specific challenges Breda O’Brien – Sun Jun 9 2024 – […]
Reflections from the Holy Land: Mid-Summer Thoughts
by Sami El-Yousef, Chief Executive Officer. Unlike previous year’s summer reflections, this year for various commitments they come a bit later […]
Reflections on a visit to Jordan
by Bishop Martin Hayes I was included in this year’s pastoral pilgrimage to represent the Irish Episcopal Conference with Bishop […]
My Prayers for the Holy Land – Seán Cardinal Brady
RESPONSES TO QUESTIONNAIRE FROM MR RODNEY LEONARD 1. When you pray on, and for, the Holy Land, what are your main thoughts […]
Why are Holy Land Christians Called “Living Stones?”
The term living stones in 1 Peter 2:5 is used as a metaphor to illustrate the secure and intimate relationship believers have with Jesus, […]
Homilies
March 2025, Gibraltar Investiture Homily
Your Excellency Dear members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, esteemed Guests. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, we […]
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.
Bishop Coll: Let praying together as Anglicans and Catholics be a foretaste of the reconciling of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ
Homily of Bishop Niall CollIn this year of 2025 when we celebrate 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, let […]
Archbishop Farrell: future Church leadership requires seeing mission differently, close to the journey of Jesus
HomilyThe Jesus who confronts us in today’s Gospel is a Jesus of power: he commands the unclean spirits and they […]
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.
Homily of Very Reverend Francis Mitchell, The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
Homily of Very Reverend Francis Mitchell, JCL, KCHS, given at the annual Western Mass of the Equestrian Order of the […]
Homily – 2023 Investiture by Vy Rev Dereck Darby, KCHS, EV Diocese of Meath
The text below is that of Fr Dereck’s homily on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 My friends, as we gather to […]
The Empty Tomb
Christianity is the religion of the Empty Tomb for in it was buried the one who died a sacrificial death, […]
Good Friday Homily – 2020
“Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything […]
We are endowed with a missionary spirit
Vy Rev Derek Darby, KCHS, Adm, EV The Fifth Gospel Recently I attended a meeting of the ordained members of this […]
Homily by Archbishop Jude Okololo Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland
Investiture Ceremonies 2019 “And you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord would give”. […]
Investiture Ceremony, Maynooth College, Ireland
‘About Zion I will not be silent, about Jerusalem I will not grow weary, until her integrity shines out like […]
Homily, Investiture Ceremony, Maynooth College, Ireland
Fr. Derek Darby KHS ‘About Zion I will not be silent, about Jerusalem I will not grow weary, until her […]
Homily – Mass for World Day of Peace
Church of the Three Patrons Rathgar, Ireland Homily from Mgr. Eoin Thynne, Head Chaplain to the Defence Forces: “I wonder […]
Homily of Cardinal Grand Master Edwin O’Brien
20 July 2013, St Patrick’s College Maynooth, Ireland Investiture of Knights and Ladies I would like to begin by thanking […]
Easter Sunday Homily
Solemn Mass of the Resurrection of our Lord at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem – Patriarch Fouad Twal […]
Homily by Rev Fr Timothy Bartlett, KCHS
2012 Investiture Mass Your Eminence, Your Excellencies, Members and Postulants, esteemed guests, sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ, On this […]
Homily Notes of Bishop Noel Treanor
Mass for Northern Region ST PETER’S CATHEDRAL, BELFAST, SATURDAY, 5 MAY 2012 Readings : Acts 13.44-52; Jn 14.7-14 I welcome you […]
Homily at Knock Shrine, 28th January 2012
Ecclesiastical Knight Fr Francis Mitchell If you had the opportunity to attend daily Mass over the past couple of weeks […]
Books
The House was filled with the fragrance of the perfume
Our Lieutenancy Secretary, Confrère Mark Kane, KHS, has recently had the opportunity and pleasure to read the excellent publication The […]
Second Vatican Council Memories – Bishop Michael Smith, KC*HS
In July 2022, a new book “Vatican Council Memories” written by Most Rev’d Michael Smith, Bishop Emeritus Diocese of Meath, […]
Ireland and the Crusades
In January 2023, an interdisciplinary volume of essays from leading scholars detailing Ireland’s connection with the Crusades was published in […]