Dear people of Elphin and Achonry,
I believe we need to redouble our prayers for peace and to renew our solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have suffered so much, as a result of the unprovoked invasion by Russian forces.
Today they were victims of an unprovoked attack by the President of the United States.
President Trump may well be correct in his analysis of the military situation on the ground in Ukraine, but the verbal attack on President Zelinsky, carried out on live television, was - quite frankly - totally inexcusable.
There was no attempt to listen or to engage in dialogue.
All it achieved was to give comfort to Mr. Putin.
It contributes nothing to peace.
I encourage you to spend even a few minutes in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, to ask Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace, to give each of us wisdom to know how we can contribute to a just and lasting peace in the world.
May He give courage and integrity to political leaders in all our countries.
May He send his Holy Angels to watch over the people of Ukraine.
May He bless and empower the good people of the United States in this difficult and challenging time.
Bishop Kevin