Last April, the newest bridge in Galway got a name too – “Droichead a Dóchais” – the “Bridge of Hope.”
Carrying pedestrians and cyclists, it stretches across the Corrib from Newtownsmith to the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. I like the name “Droichead a Dóchais” – “The Bridge of Hope”.
This Christmas … Christmas 2024 … in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Pope Francis will launch the year 2025, a Jubilee Year or a Holy Year. Such special years normally takes place every twenty five years. They offer us a time to reflect on an important aspect of the life of faith.
During the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis has asked people to reflect on the idea of “Hope”… the desire that no matter how dark things get there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Today, our world is dark indeed. It is riven with anxiety and fear. War rages in so many places – even the land of Jesus’ birth is not spared such terrible suffering. Hatred and harsh talk abound. Poverty, hunger and homelessness are all about us. Sickness and depression are many people’s lot. The planet is in crisis and the human heart is restless in its search for something more.
An essential characteristic of being a Christian is the fact that no matter how dark things get – the Christian does not lose hope. The story of Christmas itself tells us that God comes close to us in our need. Divine Love instinctively seeks to reach out and help. In the gentleness of the Child of Bethlehem, God whispers to the frightened human heart – do not be afraid, trust in me, for together we can conquer all that weighs us down. Hold my hand and let 2025 be the year that together we cross our own “bridge of hope”. Cross our own “Droichead a Dóchais” over the troubled waters of our world and our own lives towards a better, brighter world and a more hope filled way of living.
Wishing you all God’s blessings this Christmas and a healthy and happy, hope-filled Holy Year 2025.
Guím Nollaig naofa, beannachtaí Íosa, Nollaig Chroíúil agus athbhliain dhóchasach oraibh ar do chuid agus do chairde.
+Michael Duignan
Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh
Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora
Bishop of Clonfert