Archbishop urges Catholics to let Christ’s light shine

Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has urged Catholics not to forget the suffering that is taking place in different parts of the world, particularly as a result of war and conflict.

Speaking at Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh over Christmas, Archbishop Martin said “there is such a need for the light of Christ to enter into the darkness of our troubled world.

“Sadly, war and violence rage on in many parts of the world – from Afghanistan to the Yemen, from Mexico to Syria and Somalia.

“Millions of families, including many of our Christian brothers and sisters, are being displaced because of persecution and oppression.

“Human trafficking and other forms of exploitation remind us that evil continues to profit from the misfortune and misery of our fellow human beings.

Darkness

“In all this darkness – where can the light of Christ be found?” he asked.

“It shines out when kindness and generosity refuse to be mastered by darkness and despair; it inspires good people to continue working for lasting peace and reconciliation here in Ireland; it motivates children and young people to raise awareness of the climate crisis by challenging themselves and others to avoid waste and the ‘throwaway culture’,” he said.