Christmas Message from Fr Aquinas

Christmas Message 2024

Let Peace Flourish

There is something very special about this time of year. It stirs up in us something very deep inside us. Despite all the problems of our world, we are brought back to the things that really matter. Our thoughts often go back to former Christmas times and to the people who loved and nurtured us. This is a time to give thanks for them and to treasure those around us. At the darkest time of the year, a light of Hope is given to us. That light is God, who loves us profoundly and who came and lived among us. As we celebrate his birth, we are once again reminded of who we are, created in God’s image and likeness. God has high hopes for each one of us because he sees in us what we can be.

This Christmas, I am thinking about the people of Palestine as they try to survive amongst the rubble of what was their country. This past year we have seen atrocities committed that are hard to understand in 2024. One wonders how those responsible can sleep at night, given the cold and calculated murder of Men, Women and Children in their thousands. In so many parts of the world, it is often the innocent who suffer amidst terrible injustices. We are called this Christmas to pray for peace and stability in our world and an end to war. God became Human in order to reveal to us who we are and the great potential that we have to love. That message is as fresh today as it was over two thousand years ago.

Over the last few years, we have been on a journey as a partnership of three parishes. It has been a good experience to try to work together. I would like to express my thanks to all the people of the three parishes for your support and love of your parish. We are on a journey, even though we do not know where that journey will ultimately take us. But that is how it is for all who are born of the Spirit. We know that we are being guided by the Spirit and we have entrusted that journey to God.

I would like to express my thanks to all the staff of the parishes and volunteers who make the parishes alive and vibrant. The parishes could not exist without you. What you do is much appreciated. A special thank you to Fr Gerard and Fr Eamonn. May the wonder and love of God touch your hearts this Christmas. May I wish you a peaceful Christmas and every blessing for the journey of 2025.

Fr Aquinas Duffy