First Christmas in Killaloe
With great delight and happiness on my first Christmas season as new
bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe, I have the privilege to offer a
seasonal greeting and blessing.
A Time to look back
The festive season of Christmas is a time to look back at the events and
happenings of the year just gone by and reflect on what has been.
We
look back, savour and enjoy the good times while acknowledging the
difficult times as well. This has been a most significant year for us
as we remembered the events of 1916, the sacrifices of many for the
freedom of our nation, one hundred years ago.
A Time to look out for others
Christmas is a time that we become aware of those less well-off, less
fortunate than ourselves. It is a time when we do our best to reach out
to others with care, with concern, with Christian love. We remember in
a special way those suffering economically, the elderly, people living
on their own, the bereaved, the homeless, refugees, victims of war and
bloodshed, people that are suffering in any way. It has been an
horrific time recently in places like Syria and in the locations of the
recent terrorist attacks. Our hearts go out to all affected.
Losses through Tragedies
Thoughts and prayers go also to the many people who have lost their
lives as a result of tragedies on our roads, on our waterways, those who
for whatever difficult circumstances in life and their own personal
lives have taken their own lives and most of all their families who are
left bereft and heartbroken. Unfortunately the number of road
fatalities has risen again this year. We pray for vigilance, alertness,
care and concern on our roads at all times.
Emigrants and Immigrants
At this time of the year our emigrants are very much on our minds. We
welcome home those who have returned to be with us for the holiday
period and our thoughts go out to those who could not come home. I
extend a special word of welcome to those who have come to join us from
other countries and enrich our work-force and culture by settling in
our midst.
Concern for Rural areas and care of the Elderly
During my visits to the many rural areas of the diocese, I see the great
concern many have about the decline of general rural services and the
isolation this is causing. Several elderly people are feeling the pinch
and with this an increased sense of loneliness and being abandoned. I
appeal to all involved in the decision making and provision of rural
services to bear this in mind even though it may not be financially
profitable. The quality of life in country areas is so worth preserving
and maintaining even if it comes at a cost. The work being done by
district day care centres, and many community organisations (Men’s Shed
being a typical example) and many other service providers are to be
commended highly!
A time to look to the future with Hope and Joy
As Christians, we are people of hope and people of joy. Pope Francis
frequently returns again and again to the great hope our faith offers us
in a world of indifference and empty materialism. No matter what
happens we carry this hope with us because of the Christ-event, the
coming of Jesus Christ in the incarnation and through the redemption won
for us through the Cross and Resurrection.
Christmas Blessing
At this special time of the year, this time of profound religious
significance I pray that the message of the Christ-Child would be reborn
in our diocese, our land, in our homes, in our hearts and souls this
Christmas season. Peace, joy, health, happiness, along with many
blessings and graces to all for a joyful and fulfilling new year in
2017.
+ Fintan Monahan
Bishop of Killaloe