Bishops’ statement on General Election 2024

Key takeaways:

• All eligible to vote should exercise their right to maximise the common good
• Homelessness is unacceptable.  The inability to acquire a home affects social cohesion and is a scandal
• Politicians should lead by welcoming all immigrants who come with a willingness to contribute to our society
• The deliberate taking of human life undermines civilised society
• Political parties must urgently address pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity
• The war in Gaza and the Middle East must stop now.  Enough is Enough!
• Church-State structured dialogue is not functioning and in need of review

This General Election, on 29 November, is an opportunity for voters to bring to bear their influence on the values, policies and wider conversations that will shape our country’s future, not just during the term of the new Dáil Éireann, but for years to come.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we share this reflection based on the values of the Gospel and developed by Catholic Social Teaching, rooted in the God-given dignity of every human life.  We do so conscious of the social, political, cultural, ethical and spiritual challenges our country and world faces now.  People need hope in their lives, and our suggested questions – themed on hope – seek to assist voters engaging with candidates during the election campaign. 
 
Christian duty to vote
We begin by appealing to all those eligible to vote to exercise that right.  Even if there are no candidates who reflect the full range of a voter’s values or aspirations, it is a fundamental Christian duty to maximise the common good by taking part in the democratic process.  The ‘distinction between religion and politics and the principle of religious freedom constitute a specific achievement of Christianity and one of its fundamental historical and cultural contributions.’^[1]  We must always value this and enable it through respectful and healthy dialogue.
 
Living with dignity
Despite the indications of a buoyant economy, too many people in Ireland are still suffering financial hardships due to increased costs of food and energy.  Also, the inability of so many individuals and families to acquire a home of their own affects social cohesion.  Alongside this, the continuing increase in the levels of homelessness is a scandal.  The latest available figures (September 2024) show that there are 14,760 people homeless in Ireland – the highest figure ever.  Of these, 4,561 are children.  For a country with such resources at its disposal, this situation is totally unacceptable.  We reiterate our call that ‘all families, regardless of income level, should be able to access housing that is adequate to their needs, can be afforded without jeopardising the ability to meet other essential spending, and will provide long-term tenure so that their children can be raised in an atmosphere of security.’^[2]

Suggested questions for candidates: What will you do to address the current housing and homelessness crisis and the consequent distress that affects people?  Are you prepared to propose and support measures that will enable people to have a home and have real hope for the future?
 
Welcoming those who come to us in their need
Our pastoral letter published on 12 October, A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?, addresses the challenge that increased immigration to Ireland has brought about.^[3] As we continue to encounter these challenges, it is important that our political leaders alleviate the key shortcomings in our economy and social fabric so that all those who come to Ireland, to seek a better life and contribute to our society in so many ways, will be welcome and know that they belong.

 
Valuing every life in every condition
We believe that an absolute commitment to dignity, value and right to life of every person – at every stage and in every condition of life – is vital for the sustaining of a vibrant, hope-filled cohesive, flourishing society.  This commitment must be part of our political dialogue and the actions of those whom we elect.  Over recent years, we have witnessed a diminution in the respect for human life in our political discourse.  The value of people’s lives seems to be calculated as if it were simply part of a cost-benefit analysis.  Where is the hope in this?
 
In recent years we have witnessed the introduction of a very liberal abortion law in Ireland.  Since the introduction of the legislation in 2018, 40,000 abortions have been carried out in Ireland.  And some politicians want to make it even more liberal.  Now we have efforts being made to make legislative provision for ‘assisted dying’ in Ireland.  A recent report from an Oireachtas Committee has made recommendations to the incoming Government that assisted dying be allowed in certain, restricted circumstances.  We totally reject that recommendation because a fundamental principle of civilised society is that no person can lawfully take the life of another.^[4] 

Suggested questions for candidates: What is your stance on assisted dying legislation?  Will you oppose this legislation, and any other legislation which would liberalise abortion in Ireland?
 
Caring for our common home
We must continually remind our political leaders at every level of their responsibility to protect the future of our planet, our common home.  Pope Francis reminds us that, ‘Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live.’^[5] As a result, what the Holy Father describes as ‘integral ecology’ states clearly that our interactions with the environment are woven into the fabric of economic, political, social, cultural, spiritual and ethical dimensions.
 
In the spirit of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pope Francis states “we need to grasp the variety of things in their multiple relationships”.  (Laudato Si’ para 86).  Later in Laudate Deum (2023) he addresses people of goodwill, admonishing the human family that has neglected its relationships with creation, one another, and above all, God.  (Jesuit Post, Laudate Deum: An Overview by Nate Cortas, SJ | Oct 10, 2023) 
 
Later in Laudate Deum (2023) Pope Francis highlights that, “Everything is connected” para 19, human beings must be recognised as a part of nature (para 26) and a healthy ecology is also the result of interaction between human beings and the environment (para 27).

The recent extreme rain and flooding in the Valencia and Costa del Sol regions of Spain have demonstrated the vulnerability of an even well-developed European country to dramatic weather events supercharged by greenhouse gas emissions.  Each of us has a duty to play our part in addressing this question.  The current discussions taking place during the 29^th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, are an example of what could be achieved by strategies at global level.  But, we need local action too.

Suggested questions for candidates: How will your party address, in a sustainable way, issues of pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity?  Will your party support infrastructure measures that will tackle environmental issues such as water quality, public transport, and the impact of fossil fuels?  What will you do to support a just transition for farmers, workers and others who will be affected by climate action measures?  Are you prepared to listen, to and work with, all stakeholders on this journey? 
 
Work so that peace may reign in our hearts and our world
The war in Gaza and the Middle East must stop now.  Enough is enough!  The plight of the people of the region is horrendous.  So too is the inability of the international community to act to bring about a ceasefire and a longer-term solution to the questions involved.  Similarly, the international community has a role to play in bringing peace to Ukraine and to other areas of conflict in our world, including Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen.  War, militarisation and the proliferation of arms, is a stain on our humanity.  Pope Francis reminds us that throughout the Bible, justice, peace and faith go together.  He invites us to oppose a culture of cruelty and war and, instead, always promote a culture of peace and bear witness to human solidarity and love.
 
Irish peacekeeping troops operate in many troubled areas of our world.  As a nation we contribute also in the area of  human development through a number of agencies operating from our country.  We ask all political parties to ensure the budget for overseas development aid is maintained and increased over the coming mandate.
 
In our own land we give thanks to God that the political institutions in Northern Ireland are once again up and running.  We encourage the Governments of Ireland and Britain to continue to support the Assembly and Executive in their work of governance for all the people of that part of our island.  In this context, both Governments must continue to enhance measures that will genuinely address legacy issues, build true reconciliation at every level and underpin investment within Northern Ireland and on a cross-border basis.  The work of the ‘Shared Island Initiative’ is one of the signs of hope for better understanding and progress.

Suggested questions for candidates: What is your position on the immediate ending of the war in Gaza and the Middle East?  Will you support the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill 2018, which seeks to ban and criminalise trade with, and economic support for, illegal settlements in territories deemed occupied under international law?
 
Church-State structured dialogue is not functioning and in need of review
To be a ‘People of Hope’, we must listen to one another.  In a fracturing society, real and meaningful social dialogue is needed so that people actually feel their voice is being heard and that they have a contribution to make.  Government must engage purposefully with all sectors of society, including the community and voluntary sector.  Churches and faith communities have an important contribution to bring to this national and local conversation by helping – with others – build and sustain an Ireland that protects and values the potential of every person.  The current structures for Church-State dialogue are not functioning for the greater good of society and are in need of review.  Any such structures must be made work so that the voice of Churches and other faith communities can be heard and contribute to a national reawakening based on the reality of people’s lives, and not ideology or special interests.  As a Church, we are open to engaging with Government and with other Churches and faiths on this question.

Suggested questions for candidates: Are you prepared to support a process of structured dialogue that includes all voices and sectors in Ireland’s diverse society including Churches and faith communities?  Similar to Governments in other European countries and at EU level, should a specific Government minister with responsibility for dialogue with Churches and other faith communities be appointed as part of the next administration?
 
Conclusion: There is Hope!
In this 2024 election message, we set out some of the principal areas for reflection as we seek to bring the values of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our national conversation.  We do so respectfully.  We do so inspired by the vision that gives us hope, namely: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 
If our politicians fail to give us reasons to hope; if they fail to engage with people of all sectors in society – including with voices of faith – then they contribute to the fracturing of society and the lowering of confidence in political institutions.
 
ENDS

[1] Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, par. 50.
[2] Irish Catholic Bishops, A Room at the Inn?, (2018), p. 28.
[3] See,irish Catholic Bishops, A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?  Bishops’ pastoral letter on immigration: ‘A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?’ downloadable resources | Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
[4] Irish Catholic Bishops, Freedom to Live Fully – Bishops’ statement on end of life care: Freedom to Live Fully, Until Death Comes | Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
[5] Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, par. 139.

Archbishop Eamon Reflects on Pope Francis’ New Encyclical (Letter) Dilexit Nos

In his latest encyclical, Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis invites us into a profound meditation on the human and divine love of Jesus Christ, expressed through the symbol of the Sacred Heart. In the video above Archbishop Eamon shares his own reflection on Pope Francis’  message, encouraging us to rediscover a love that heals, unites, and challenges us to reach beyond superficial attachments and enter relationships of genuine compassion and solidarity.

A Heart Open to All: Exploring Dilexit Nos

The title, Dilexit Nos — “He loved us” — sets the tone for Pope Francis’s message to each one of us. Drawing on scripture, the Holy Father brings our attention to the depth and constancy of Christ’s love for humanity. He reminds us that the heart of Jesus represents not only divine love but also a fully human love that embodies closeness, tenderness, and unreserved sacrifice. Pope Francis writes:

“The heart of Christ is ‘ecstasy,’ openness, gift and encounter. In that heart, we learn to relate to one another in wholesome and happy ways, and to build up in this world God’s kingdom of love and justice.”

In a world often marked by division and individualism, this message serves as a call to draw closer to one another with empathy and understanding. Dilexit Nos is not merely a theological reflection but a call to action, urging us to allow our hearts to be transformed by Christ’s love so that we, too, might become sources of healing and unity in our communities.

Archbishop Eamon’s Reflection on Dilexit Nos

In his video message, Archbishop Eamon Martin reflects on the essence of Dilexit Nos, exploring how the Sacred Heart of Christ speaks directly to us today. He reflects on how Pope Francis’s words invite us to pause and consider the powerful, transformative nature of Christ’s love. For Archbishop Eamon, the encyclical is a reminder that we are called to live out this love in our own lives by reaching out to others with genuine compassion.

Archbishop Eamon also addresses the relevance of Dilexit Nos within our current societal realities. Our world is marked by challenges that often pull us away from what is truly essential. Archbishop Eamon reminds us “of the Love that pours out from the side of Jesus” and reflects on how the Sacred Heart of Jesus represents a love that transcends differences and binds us together as one family under God. Archbishop Eamon calls on all of us to respond to this love by fostering understanding, unity, and a spirit of reconciliation that allows us to “build a civilisation of love”.

Why Dilexit Nos Matters Now More Than Ever

The message of Dilexit Nos resonates deeply at a time when our world faces profound change and uncertainty. Pope Francis highlights the dangers of a “heartless” society driven by self-interest, consumerism, and division, urging us to return to what is essential: a love that nourishes, uplifts, and brings hope.

As Archbishop Eamon reflects in his video, the message of Dilexit Nos encourages us to rediscover our own “hearts,” allowing them to be shaped by Christ’s love. Through small, everyday actions of kindness, empathy, and solidarity, we can reflect the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our interactions with others. In this way, we actively participate in building a more compassionate, loving, and hope-filled society.

A Call to Join in the Journey

Dilexit Nos invites us all to look beyond ourselves and to see others through the eyes of Christ. Archbishop Eamon’s reflection, paired with Pope Francis’s inspiring words, reminds each of us that the journey to the heart of Christ is also a journey towards each other. By engaging with the message of Dilexit Nos, we are encouraged to deepen our spiritual lives, strengthen our relationships, and, ultimately, live in a way that mirrors Christ’s boundless love.

As we contemplate this call, let us respond by opening our hearts to one another and embracing a love that unites and renews.

Click Here to read Delixit Nos

Dilexit Nos “Jesus Loves You Resource for Families

The death has taken place on  Friday, 25 October, of Father John Bradley, PE. 

May he rest in peace.

Archbishop Eamon extends the sympathy and that of Cardinal Seán, Bishop Michael, the clergy and people of the Archdiocese, to Fr John’s sisters, Rose, Sr Margaret and Annie, his nieces and nephews and the extended Bradley family.

Funeral arrangements as follows:

Reposing of remains in the Church of our Lady of the Assumption, Magherafelt, from 4.00pm Saturday 26^th;
Funeral Mass on Sunday 27th October at 2.30pm;
Interment afterwards in Cemetery of St John, Milltown;
Funeral Mass can be viewed at https://www.magherafeltparish.org/webcam/

CURRICULUM VITAE

Very Rev John Bradley PE

Born: 21 November 1929, Parish of Magherafelt

Studied
St Mary’s Convent Primary School, Magherafelt             1935-39
St Joseph’s Primary School, Magherafelt                       1939-43
St Patrick’s College, Armagh                                        1944-49
St Patrick’s College, Maynooth                                     1949-56

Ordained: 17 June 1956, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth

Appointments
Supply, Upper Killeavy                                                 1956-56
Assistant, Clonfeacle                                                   1956-62
Curate, Togher                                                            1962-67
Curate, Drumcree                                                        1967-83
Curate, Carrickmore                                                    1983-85
Parish Priest, Lower Killeavy                                         1985-05
Pastor Emeritus                                                           2005-24

Date of Death: 25 October 2024, Loane House, Dungannon

Archdiocese of Armagh Hosts Seminar as Irish Catholic Bishops’ issue a pastoral letter on immigration: ‘A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?’

On 12th October, the Archdiocese of Armagh, in conjunction with Embrace NI, hosted a significant gathering at the Drumcree Pastoral Centre to address the pressing issue of migration. This gathering, aligning with the Irish Catholic Bishops’ release of their pastoral letter, “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?”, brought together people from across Northern Ireland to reflect on the Christian call to welcome migrants and embrace the stranger.

Archbishop Eamon Martin opened the gathering, referenced both the Gospel imperative to welcome the stranger and Pope Francis’ consistent call for compassion and inclusion. This event built upon the Irish Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter which emphasises that Ireland, with its rich history of migration, has a moral duty to extend the tradition of céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) to those arriving in search of safety and a better life.

During the plenary session, participants explored key themes such as the role of hospitality in Christian life, the importance of cultural understanding, and the necessity of collaboration across Churches to support migrants. Small yet powerful gestures—such as offering coffee after Mass, incorporating multilingual prayers, and fostering intercultural events—were highlighted as ways to create spaces of belonging for newcomers.

The personal testimonies of migrants, those working in the field of accompanying migrants and others attending the session underscored the challenges faced, which includes language barriers, housing, and cultural integration. The event also acknowledged the need for better resources and support structures, such as schools and community organisations, to aid in the integration of migrants. An important takeaway was the idea of developing a Ministry of Welcome, where clergy and laypeople work together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere within parishes that fosters belonging.

A call to action concluded the event, with parishes encouraged to audit their current efforts in welcoming migrants and to collaborate with other denominations and organisations, such as St. Vincent de Paul, to support integration efforts.

In concluding the gathering participants added to the rich dialogue by asking for God’s guidance in building a more welcoming, compassionate Church and society for all, especially those seeking refuge and new beginnings. 

For more information on the Irish Bishops’ pastoral letter A Hundred Thousand Welcomes? Please CLICK HERE

Embracing the Stranger Seminar,12th October 2024, Drumcree Pastoral Centre, Portadown. 

Representatives from parishes and diocese attended a seminar yesterday at Drumcree Pastoral Centre in Portadown entitled: Embracing the Stranger, Challenges and Opportunities. Archbishop Eamon Martin introduced the Pastoral Letter “100,000 welcomes?” of the Irish Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference which explores what hospitality for migrants means in contemporary Ireland.

Global Unity in Praying The Rosary

On October 7, 2024, Catholics around the world will come together for World Rosary Day. This special day of prayer has been initiated in response to Pope Francis’ call for a “symphony of prayer” leading up to the Jubilee Year 2025. In his letter to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Holy Father invited the faithful to dedicate the year 2024 to intense prayer as the Church prepares for this event of grace, emphasising the need to petition the Virgin Mary to guide us on this journey.

A Day of Global Unity in Prayer

World Rosary Day will be marked by the recitation of the Rosary across the globe, creating a continuous wave of prayer that will span from the East to the West. The prayer begins at 7 PM in New Zealand, in the Maori territory of Ōtaki, where Fr. Phil Cody SM will lead his parishioners in reciting the Rosary in the Maori language. From there, the prayer will move across time zones.

At 7 PM in Rome, Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas will lead the Rosary at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, at the revered chapel of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani (Savior of the Roman People). This historic basilica holds deep spiritual significance, making it a fitting place for the Church to offer its collective prayers for the Jubilee.

Here in the Archdiocese of Armagh we invite all individuals, parishes, groups and families to pray the Rosary at 7pm. In a special way we invite parents and grandparents to use this special opportunity to share the gift and grace of the Rosary with children and young people.

A Global Invitation

All Catholics—whether they are part of Confraternities, shrines, religious orders, parishes, or prayer groups—are invited to participate in this universal day of prayer. The European Forum of Confraternities, which initiated this event, has extended an open invitation to anyone with a Marian devotion to join the movement. With over 28,000 diocesan confraternities in Europe alone, the potential for global participation is vast.

Why Pray for the Jubilee?

The Jubilee Year 2025 will be a time of hope, renewal, and grace for the Church and the world. By praying the Rosary, the faithful are asking for the intercession of Our Lady, Mother of Hope, to guide us spiritually in the preparation for this sacred event. Through this prayer, we unite in seeking God’s grace and blessings for a fruitful Jubilee, asking for spiritual renewal for individuals, communities, and the Church as a whole.

How You Can Participate

Participating in World Rosary Day is simple yet profound. On October 7, 2024, at 7 PM local time, wherever you are in the world, pause to pray the Rosary with others around the globe. Whether you are in a large community setting or praying quietly at home, your voice will join millions in offering a collective prayer for the success of the Jubilee Year.

To be part of this event, you can register your parish, community, or prayer group at the official website: www.worldrosaryday.com. By registering, you will receive updates and resources to help guide your participation.

A Moment of Grace

World Rosary Day will mark the first time in history that all Confraternities, together with countless others, unite for a single prayer intention: the spiritual success of the Jubilee of Hope 2025. Let us heed the call of Pope Francis and gather in prayer, trusting in the intercession of Our Lady to accompany us on this journey toward hope, renewal, and grace.

Save the date: October 7, 2024, and be part of this historic day of global prayer. Together, we can lift our voices in the Rosary, asking for God’s blessings as we prepare for the Jubilee Year 2025.

Resources

Click Here for World Rosary Day Resource

Pray the Third Glorious Mystery, “The Descent of the Holy Spirit” with Archbishop Eamon

For more information and to register, visit: www.worldrosaryday.com

#WorldRosaryDay #Jubilee2025 #MaterSpei #CatholicPrayer #HopeAndRenewal #UnitedInPrayer

Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomes first visit to Ireland of Saint Bernadette’s relics

The opportunity to venerate Saint Bernadette’s relics in Ireland “will be a source of hope, great joy and inspiration” – Archbishop Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “During September and October, the holy relics of Saint Bernadette will undertake a pilgrimage, journeying from Lourdes, France – for the first time – to cathedrals and churches across Ireland.  The visit of the relics will be a fitting prelude to the launch of the Jubilee Year 2025 with its theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
 
“The pilgrimage around Ireland of Saint Bernadette’s relics will be a source of hope, great joy and inspiration, especially for the many people of Ireland who have travelled to Lourdes over the years and for the dedicated groups across the island who work all year round to plan pilgrimages at parish and diocesan level.  Of course Lourdes is synonymous with care and love for sick and disabled persons, and is a special sanctuary for those who struggle with worries or decisions of one kind or another.
 
“The relics of Saint Bernadette remind us of Lourdes as a place of prayer and compassion for the sick and vulnerable.  Over generations, Irish people of all ages have volunteered to help in various ways in Lourdes and have been uplifted themselves by the experience of serving and caring.  In welcoming the relics, faith communities around the country will pray in the ‘spirit of Lourdes’ and come to know the message of Our Lady, a message of enduring relevance for us today.
 
“Saint Bernadette once wrote:  ‘One who loves does not notice her trials; or perhaps more accurately, she is able to love them.  I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home.  There I shall find my Mother in all the splendour of her glory.  I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus himself in perfect safety.’
 
“Together with my brother Bishops in Ireland, I look forward to welcoming the relics of Saint Bernadette to all parts of the island.  I encourage you to take the opportunity to encounter the beautiful and inspiring person that Saint Bernadette was, and to hear the powerful message she was able to convey to the world from Our Lady.
 
“Please pray also that many gifts and graces will be granted during this pilgrimage,” Archbishop Martin said.

+ Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland 

Resources For Parishes, Families and Schools

Resources for Parishes, families and Schools as they prepare for the visit of St. Bernadette’s Relic. 

Click Image to Access Resource Booklet