When we started out on the year 2001, we were not to know how vulnerable many of us would feel as we approach its end. It’s a vulnerability that has emerged from several crises – Foot and Mouth; September 11th; the war in Afghanistan; the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and the economic downturn. Even then, perhaps we do not even come close to the insecurity of many who are poor, hungry, homeless, ill, dying or bereaved. Yet, these realities cannot come between us and the love of God made visible in Jesus Christ, as St Paul teaches. " /> When we started out on the year 2001, we were not to know how vulnerable many of us would feel as we approach its end. It’s a vulnerability that has emerged from several crises – Foot and Mouth; September 11th; the war in Afghanistan; the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and the economic downturn. Even then, perhaps we do not even come close to the insecurity of many who are poor, hungry, homeless, ill, dying or bereaved. Yet, these realities cannot come between us and the love of God made visible in Jesus Christ, as St Paul teaches. " /> When we started out on the year 2001, we were not to know how vulnerable many of us would feel as we approach its end. It’s a vulnerability that has emerged from several crises – Foot and Mouth; September 11th; the war in Afghanistan; the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and the economic downturn. Even then, perhaps we do not even come close to the insecurity of many who are poor, hungry, homeless, ill, dying or bereaved. Yet, these realities cannot come between us and the love of God made visible in Jesus Christ, as St Paul teaches. " />

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Press Releases29 Oct 01

CORK BISHOPS ISSUE JOINT CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

When we started out on the year 2001, we were not to know how vulnerable many of us would feel as we approach its end. It’s a vulnerability that has emerged from several crises – Foot and Mouth; September 11th; the war in Afghanistan; the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and the economic downturn. Even then, perhaps we do not even come close to the insecurity of many who are poor, hungry, homeless, ill, dying or bereaved. Yet, these realities cannot come between us and the love of God made visible in Jesus Christ, as St Paul teaches.

Christmas invites us to look at the baby in the manger at Bethlehem and at his own vulnerability in childhood, as a refugee in difficult political times and in poverty. Our Christian faith holds for us a light of hope that inspires us with a deeper appreciation of each other. Christ's birth is our assurance that our hope is not in vain.

It is to him we turn for this hope and peace, joy and fulfilment. May these, his gifts to you, be yours indeed this Christmas.

Further information from:

THE DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
4 Glandore Avenue
Blackrock
Cork

Tel: 021 435 8265
Fax: (021) 435 0143
Email:Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Communications Officer

DCO: Sybil Fuller

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