Christmas Message 2025
My friends,
As 2025 draws to a close the first quarter of the 21st Century has flown by. In the Catholic Church it brings to a close also our celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope during which the beloved Pope Francis bid us farewell. It was a sad yet joyful parting. He had given his all.
Then we were inspired by the gifted new successor of Peter, Pope Leo XIV. The challenges facing the Church worldwide are many, but he seems to face them with a serene confidence anchored by the guiding action of the Holy Spirit.
Pope Leo has already made clear his desire to be an instrument of peace, a bridge builder in the Church and in global affairs.
Here at home, we have witnessed some shocking incidents of domestic violence. It is really a source of concern that so many women and children live in fear. It should not be. Equally worrying is the level of illegal drug use in our community. It has the potential to reek even greater havoc on families and communities unless it is addressed by individual users.
The creeping impact of Artificial Intelligence is hanging over us like a cloud, uncertain of its impact. We hope and pray for wisdom and courage for those entrusted with its development that the dignity and respect of the human person will prevail.
Globally, the events in Israel / Palestine leave us speechless and in deep despair at the endless destruction and disregard for human life. Similar sentiments fill our hearts with ongoing conflicts in the Russian war on Ukraine and the murderous conflicts in Africa. A hardness of heart prevents any reconciliation and healing.
On a personal level, Christmas is usually a happy time to be celebrated and enjoyed, though for many old wounds of past rows can spoil the atmosphere. The Jubilee Year of Hope invites new beginnings and forgiveness. Think seriously about the possibility of a new beginning that you can make for yourself and others by your forgiveness and apology. Life is too short not to do so.
For various reasons many no longer gather regularly for prayer at Holy Mass. While we are prosperous as a nation now, we are growing spiritually poor by our neglect of the Spirit within. There is an urgent need to renew the spiritual dimensions of our individual and family life. I invite you to have that conversation in your families as so many young people will be engaged in 1st Communion and Confirmation in the New Year. Equally, more young couples planning to marry might think again about a sacramental celebration in Church.
Finally, we are mindful of so many young couples whose lives are on hold due to shortage of housing. Politically a great urgency prevails to make progress on housing provision. The risk of alienation and anger is great.
As intentional disciples of Jesus Christ, we live in hope that due to the light he brings to the world darkness will never have the last word.
I pray, that whatever your life holds for you these days you will be blessed with a spirit of hope and a serene heart.
Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
+ Wm. Crean
Bishop of Cloyne