Fr Aquinas is due top spend his second Christmas as Parish Priest of Wicklow and has taken some time out to reflect on the importance this time of year holds.
“I was delighted to discover that there are many in Wicklow who have a fascination with the stars. I follow the ‘Wicklow Skies’ Facebook Page and the amazing space photographs of Enda Kelly and others. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by the stars and the wonderful universe that we live in.
“When one looks up at the stars, one always realises how small we are as a planet. I often wonder what other civilisations out there think about us. When they look at the small blue rock we call Earth, what do they report. It was also a fascination with the Stars that led the three wise men on their journey of discovery to Bethlehem. It was wonderment and a sense of awe that ultimately led them to find Jesus.
“At Christmas, we are once again presented with the message of Jesus. Despite all the problems of our world, that message continues to inspire hope. At Christmas we are reminded that God, the creator, loved us so much that he became fully human and lived among us. In doing so, he revealed the heart of God to us. God has high hopes for humanity, that all may be one and live in peace together.“The message shows us that God has a love for every human being. God sees only the best in us and the potential we have for greatness. I hope that you get to experience some of the joy and wonder of this time. It is often the wonderment of this time that stirs something deep within us. It makes us realise the mystery of our own lives.
“May I wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and every blessing for 2025.”