Ara Coeli
Cathedral Road
ARMAGH BT61 7QY
Tel (028) 3752 2045
Fax (028) 3752 6182
Email: [email protected]
Administrative Staff:
Mrs Caroline Hicks
[email protected]
Mrs Donna Gray
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Mrs Kathy Lennon
[email protected]
Chancellor:
Very Rev Michael Toner PP
[email protected]
Assistant Chancellor:
Rev Paul Murphy
[email protected]
Diocesan Secretary:
Rev Colm Hagan
[email protected]
Financial Administrator:
Mrs Brenda O’Hare
[email protected]
Media Queries:
Mr Martin Long – Tel: 01 5053010
Mobile: 086 1727 678
[email protected]
The Diocesan Pastoral Centre Team in Dundalk hosted its annual charity coffee morning at the Magnet Centre Dundalk on Monday 16th December.
Many Thanks to the many schools and the wider community that supported the event.
https://youtu.be/9YiuEaGFlNA
The death has taken place on Wednesday, 11 December, of Fr Brendan McHugh, late of Anniscliff House Nursing Home, Maghera. May he rest in peace.
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Remains arriving at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Ardboe, this evening, Thursday, 12 December, in time for Mass at 8.00pm;
Requiem Mass on Saturday, 14 December at 12.00 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Very Rev Brendan McHugh PE
Born: 7 May 1927, Parish of Loughgall
Studied: St Patrick’s College, Armagh 1940-46
St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 1946-53
Ordained: 21 June 1953
Appointments
Assistant, Kildress 1953-54
Assistant, Dromintee 1954-54
Chaplain, Good Shepherd Convent 1954-57
Curate, Killeeshil 1957-64
Curate, Kildress 1964-68
Curate, Lower Killeavy 1968-82
Parish Priest, Aghaloo 1982-87
Parish Priest, Ardboe 1987-03
Pastor Emeritus, Assistant Pastor, Ardboe 2003-07
Pastor Emeritus 2007-19
Date of Death: 11 December 2019
Message from the Bishops in Northern Ireland to voters ahead
of the Westminster General Election
Short Summary of Statement
It is twenty years this month since the Stormont Assembly assumed the full powers devolved to it. The damaging consequences of the prolonged, ongoing failure to restore the institutions of the Agreement are becoming increasingly clear, especially their impact on the most vulnerable in society. As the people of Northern Ireland return to the polling booths for the Westminster elections we encourage everyone to vote and to take the opportunity ‘on the doorsteps’ to encourage all politicians to return to the Assembly as soon as possible.
Brexit
The outcome of Brexit will have a significant impact on our fragile peace and on our political, economic and social life. Competent voices are needed to annunciate our concerns and we encourage voters to choose candidates who value positive relationships within and beyond these islands.
Abortion law
On 21 October the Westminster liberalised abortion laws here. The right to life is not given to us by any law or government, and any law that removes this right is unjust and must be resisted by every voter and political representative. For Catholic politicians this is not only a matter of protecting the human right to life but also a fundamental matter of our faith. Voters have a duty to inform themselves on the position of election candidates in respect of their willingness to support and cherish equally the lives of mothers and their unborn children.
Welfare Reform
It is a matter of grave concern that payments under the welfare reform mitigation package for are due to come to an end on 31 March 2020, representing a ‘cliff edge’ for many already vulnerable people. In the absence of devolved government, we call on politicians elected to Westminster to seek to ensure that the mitigation package does not end suddenly.
Housing and homelessness
We are concerned at the level of housing insecurity and the number of people, in particular families, facing homelessness. Many others are ‘hidden’ homeless who rely on family and friends for temporary accommodation. It is important that candidates for election are willing to take the necessary steps to address the current housing needs of our population.
Human trafficking
We have all been made aware recently of the atrocious scourge of human trafficking. In this context, we are urging all newly elected members to serve the common good by allocating significant financial and human resources to tackle this critical issue and commit to continue to work with European and international partners to combat this global phenomenon.
Conclusion
These Westminster elections are very significant for the future of the social, economic and political relationships of these islands. This brings an even greater responsibility on us, as followers of Jesus, to reflect in a conscientious and informed way on the breadth of issues involved. We call for prayers for candidates and for a respectful public debate on the issues.
Full Statement
It is twenty years this month since the Stormont Assembly assumed the full powers devolved to it as a result of the overwhelming support of citizens on this island for the Good Friday Agreement. The damaging consequences of the prolonged, ongoing failure to restore the institutions of the Agreement are becoming increasingly clear, especially their impact on the most vulnerable in society.
As the people of Northern Ireland return to the polling booths for the Westminster elections we encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote and also to take the opportunity ‘on the doorsteps’ to encourage all political parties to return to the Stormont Assembly as soon as possible.
Brexit
The run up to this election has been dominated by the issue of Brexit. No doubt the final outcome of Brexit will have a significant impact on the political, economic and social life of Northern Ireland, and its fragile peace. Whatever the eventual decision of the Westminster Parliament on Brexit, negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU will be critical for our future. The people of Northern Ireland need competent voices to put forward their concerns on these issues and we encourage them to choose leaders who will value positive relationships both within and beyond these islands.
It is worrying that some see the uncertainty over Brexit as an opportunity to drag the community back to a violent past. We call on all political leaders to promote dialogue as the only way to resolve differences and to create a safe future for our young people.
Abortion law
On 21 October last the Westminster parliament liberalised abortion laws in Northern Ireland. This was a tragic day for the unborn children who will now never bless our world with their unique and precious lives. It was also a sad day for our local democracy as this draconian Westminster abortion legislation was introduced over the heads of local citizens. The right to life is not given to us by any law or government. Any human law that removes the right to life is an unjust law and must be resisted by every person, every voter, every political representative. For Catholic politicians this is not only a matter of protecting the human right to life but also a fundamental matter of Catholic faith.
We have consistently said that the equal right to life, and love, of a mother and her unborn child is so fundamental to the common good of every society that citizens deserve the fullest participation in the democratic debate about the legislation which governs it.
Similarly, the freedom of conscience of healthcare professionals and pharmacists needs to be respected and they should never be required to lend their support to an action which conflicts with their commitment to uphold life.
We ask all voters to respond to the current consultation on the draft Westminster abortion legislation and to leave their representatives in no doubt as to how they feel in these matters. We also call on people to continue to pray for a society which respects the equal right to life and care of a mother and her unborn child with a compassion that welcomes every child as a unique and wonderful gift and that supports women who find themselves in difficult circumstances.
Ahead of the general election on 12 December, voters have a duty to inform themselves about the position of candidates standing for election in respect of their willingness to support and cherish equally the lives of mothers and their unborn children. Candidates for election should also make clear their position on defending the innate dignity of every human being, from conception to natural death so that citizens can make an informed decision.
Welfare Reform
It is a matter of grave concern that payments under the welfare reform mitigation package for Northern Ireland are due to come to an end on 31 March 2020. This represents a ‘cliff edge’ for many already hugely vulnerable people receiving supplementary payments under this scheme across the North, including an estimated 35,000 households. Many recipients of mitigation payments are unaware that their income will significantly reduce in March under current legislation which means that the effects of these changes will be exacerbated. The unique circumstances of Northern Ireland which justified the introduction of these mitigation arrangements have not changed in the last four years. In fact, arguments have been made that stronger mitigation schemes are needed in light of growing challenges, including the introduction of Universal Credit and cuts to housing benefits in the private rental sector.
While we recognise that a programme of mitigations is not a long-term solution, there is a need for welfare reform to be analysed and treated differently in Northern Ireland. It should be acknowledged that a separate system of management for welfare schemes specific to the North may be necessary. The Department for Communities cannot amend the legislation to extend the mitigation payments in the absence of an Assembly, highlighting again the significant negative impact on all citizens in Northern Ireland across a range of issues due to the political stalemate. In the absence of devolved government, we call on politicians elected to Westminster to seek to ensure that the mitigation package does not end suddenly in March, and that appropriate legislation is enacted to prevent this.
Housing and homelessness
Pope Francis has said that ‘There is no social or moral justification – no justification whatsoever – for the lack of housing’. We are concerned at the level of housing insecurity in Northern Ireland and the number of people, in particular families, facing homelessness. Many others are ‘hidden’ homeless as they seek to rely on family and friends for temporary accommodation, moving constantly with no stability. As bishops stated last year in their pastoral letter Room at the Inn?, the right to shelter, housing and a place to call ‘home’ is an essential human need and right. As the numbers facing housing precariousness and homelessness increase we need to look at how we have ordered society if we cannot meet these basic needs for our citizens. Housing provision cannot be left solely to the market to be treated as any other commodity. This ideological position has failed to provide for our society’s housing needs. Where housing is not available for everyone then the State must step in to provide affordable social housing, introduce controls in the private rental market and exercise its responsibility to ensure the basic needs of its citizens are provided for. In considering candidates for election, it is important that these representatives are willing to take the necessary steps to address the current housing needs of our population.
Human trafficking
We have all been made aware recently of the atrocious scourge of human trafficking and of those who seek to exploit people forced to migrate to escape violence or natural disaster, or who hope to find a better life abroad.
Pope Francis has called human trafficking ‘an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ.’ He has said that ‘we are facing a global phenomenon that exceeds the competence of any one community or country’ and, so we ‘need a mobilisation comparable in size to that of the phenomenon itself’. Migrants are amongst the most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers. We can all empathise with their sense of desperation to reach a foreign shore with hope of finding safety and decent employment. In this context, following their election on 12 December, and irrespective of various ideological perspectives, we are urging all new members of the Westminster Parliament to serve the common good by allocating significant financial and human resources to tackling this critical issue and to commit to continue to work with European and international partners to combat this global phenomenon.
Conclusion
There can be no doubt that the forthcoming Westminster elections will be among the most significant in recent history for the future of the social, economic and political relationships within and between these islands. This brings an even greater responsibility on the followers of Jesus Christ to reflect conscientiously and in an informed way on the wide range of issues involved. We call for prayers for those who are standing for election to public office and for a respectful public debate about the important issues at stake.
Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore; Bishop Noel Treanor of Down & Connor; Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry; Bishop Larry Duffy of Clogher; and Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh
Duties and responsibilities include the smooth running of Our Lady of Lourdes Church at all times and assistance at liturgical events as required.
The position will be 13 hours per week (Saturday and Sunday).
The successful candidate must be trustworthy, reliable and have good organisation skills. It is also important that they are able to work using their own initiative, as well as part of a team. Ideally, they will have related previous experience although this is not essential as all necessary training will be provided.
A full job description and application form shall be provided upon request to The Secretary, St Peter’s Parish, 9 Fair St, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 T6WY. T 041 983 8537. (please leave a message). Email [email protected]
The closing date for submission of completed applications is 12.00 noon on Monday, 24 March, 2025.
This post is subject to vetting. Applicants will be required to provide evidence that they have the right to work in the Republic of Ireland.
The Parish of St Peter, Drogheda is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
“ Wonder and Awe, the Master’s call to become as little children”
or
Come and try different styles of prayer. Starts at 10.30 am with a Morning Prayer. Option to attend Mass with Community at Mount Oliver 10.00 am Bring a packed lunch – Tea and Coffee will be available.
Saint Patrick’ Cathedral, Armagh
“Martyrdom is not just a phenomenon of past but continues, and is even increasing, in today’s world. Eighty per cent of all acts of religious persecution around the world today are being committed against Christians” – Archbishop Eamon Martin
Background
Last night large crowds gathered in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, to celebrate ‘Red Wednesday’ (photographs available for publication). The cathedral was ablaze of red with people gathered for a special prayer service to remember Christian martyrs and those who have died for their faith. During the liturgy Archbishop Eamon delivered the following homily (see below) as part of a Liturgy of Witness for Red Wednesday, the highpoint of this special ‘Week of Witness’. The Week of Witness invites Christians across Ireland to stand in solidarity with, and bear witness to, the heroic example of our persecuted brothers and sisters in faith across the world.
During last night’s celebration, those present remembered all who suffered and died for their Christian faith over the years. Archbishop Eamon spoke with two people who give great witness to their faith each day of their lives:
Ms Colleen Gribben, a maths teacher in Saint Catherine’s College, Armagh, and Head Camp Coordinator of the Armagh City Micheala Foundation Summer Camp. Colleen is a person of deep faith and she spoke of how she works to promote faith not only through her involvement with the Micheala Camp, but also in her daily work in school.
Mr Gerard Devine is a teacher of Religious Studies in Saint Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh, having taught previously in Saint Edmund’s College, London. Gerard spoke of how he gives witness to his faith on a daily basis. He is a person who gives great witness not only in his teaching but through his involvement with Armagh Diocesan Youth Council, School Aid Romania and with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Gerard helped to lead a number of youth pilgrimages over the last few years.
After the liturgy, Archbishop Eamon launched a new book on the life and martyrdom of Saint Oliver Plunkett Not Force Nor Might – The Gift of the Martyr.
This morning Archbishop Eamon celebrates 10.00am Mass in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and, during the Mass, special prayers will be offered for all who give witness to their faith in the world today. After Mass, Archbishop Eamon will join with all the young people to be confirmed in the Cathedral Parish this year, in leading a ‘Walk of Witness’ within the Cathedral. As part of the walk, prayers will be offered that all of us may respond to the call to be more faithful in giving witness to the faith in our homes and in our communities.
Homily
One of the most moving moments of Pope Francis’ visit to Japan last weekend was when he stood at the Martyrs Memorial in Nagasaki. It is the place where Christians of Japan remember the hundreds of people – sometimes known as the “hidden Christians” – who kept the faith alive in Japan during centuries of persecution. The Japanese martyrs include Saint Paul Miki and his 25 companions who were put to death by crucifixion at the very end of the 16th century – the martyrs included Jesuit and Franciscan priests and religious brothers, but also faithful lay people, young and old, all of them powerfully witnessing to their love of the Lord.
As I watched the footage of the pope on Sunday I was reminded of the many Irish people who suffered and died for the faith around that same time. In 1992 Pope John Paul II beatified 17 Irish martyrs to represent the hundreds of Irish people who were prepared to face prison, torture and even death, rather than deny their faith. This time last year I pledged to install a shrine here in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick to our own St Oliver Plunkett, former Archbishop of Armagh, who was hunted down, imprisoned and gruesomely executed at Tyburn, England, in 1681. I am very grateful that we were able to unveil the new sculpture of Saint Oliver here in July dedicated as it is to the martyrs of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I like the way that Pope Francis, at the martyrs shrine in Japan, emphasised that the memorial ‘does more than speak of death; it also speaks of the triumph of life over death.’ And above all, the Holy Father said, that the shrine is a monument to Easter,
‘for it proclaims that the last word – despite all evidence to the contrary – belongs not to death but to life. We are not destined for death but for the fullness of life. This was the message the martyrs proclaimed. Yes, here we see the darkness of death and martyrdom, but also the light of the Resurrection, as the blood of the martyrs becomes the seed of the new life that Jesus wishes to bestow on us. Their witness confirms us in faith and helps us to renew our dedication and commitment to that missionary discipleship which strives to create a culture capable of protecting and defending all life through the daily “martyrdom” of silent service towards all, especially those in greatest need.’
I am delighted this year that Aid to the Church in Need Ireland has been encouraging a ‘Week of Witness’ surrounding #RedWednesday. The intention is for us not only to reflect not only on the historical witness of the martyrs, but also to think about how we testify in the present to our faith by being ‘missionary disciples’.
The 2019 ACN Report launched earlier this week in Ireland this week shockingly reminds us that martyrdom is not just a phenomenon of the past but continues, and is even increasing, in today’s world. Eighty per cent of all acts of religious persecution around the world today are being committed against Christians; 245 million Christians in more than 95 countries are facing extreme persecution for their faith. We remember them all in prayer at this time.
When I asked the sculptor Dony Mc Manus to create the Saint Oliver Plunkett’s statue dedicated to the martyrs of ‘yesterday, today and tomorrow’, Dony chose to evoke in his work, especially looked at from behind, the posture of Jesus before Pontus Pilate – hands bound, head bowed. Remember the words that Jesus spoke then: “I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth”. That is the calling we all have as Christians – not to be ashamed to bear witness to the truth – to testify to the Gospel of Christ in our daily lives.
I am joined this evening by two young adults, Gerard Breslin and Coleen Gribben to stand with us and to speak of some of the ways in which they chose to witness to their faith, and the challenges they find in doing so.
As Pope Saint Paul VI said in his 1975 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi on evangelisation in the contemporary world:
‘Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses … It is therefore primarily by her conduct and by her life that the Church will evangelize the world, in other words, by her living witness of fidelity to the Lord Jesus – the witness of poverty and detachment, of freedom in the face of the powers of this world, in short, the witness of sanctity.’
Last month during the Extraordinary month of mission, I reflected a lot on the life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux who, even though she died at the age of 24 years of age having rarely ventured out of her home or the Carmelite convent where she was enclosed, was declared a patroness of the missions. Saint Thérèse did so via her ‘little way’ of ‘spiritual childhood’, emphasising that the everyday moments of life can be opportunities for witness.
May this celebration of #RedWednesday and this #WeekOfWitness encourage all of us to courageously stand up for our faith – at home, with our friends, in our schools, workplaces and community, among our family members, companions, neighbours and colleagues.
Amen.
ENDS
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long +353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Brenda Drumm +353 (0) 87 310 4444.
Archbishop Eamon leads a Prayer Walk with the children of Armagh Cathedral Parish as part of the Week of Witness celebrations. The children who took part in the Walk of Witness will be confirmed in 2020.
On Wednesday evening, St Patrick’s Cathedral was a blaze of red as many people gathered for a special Prayer Service to remember Christian martyrs and those who have died for their faith. During the celebration, those present remembered all who suffered and died for their Christian faith over the years. As part of the Week of Witness, Archbishop Martin spoke with two young people who give great witness to their faith today.
Colleen Gribben is a Maths Teacher in St Catherine’s College, Armagh and Head Camp Coordinator of the Armagh City Micheala Foundation Summer Camp. Colleen is a girl of deep faith and she spoke of how she works to promote faith not only through her involvement with the Micheala Camp but also in her daily work in school.
Gerard Devine is a teacher of Religious Studies in St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh, having taught previously in St Edmund’s College, London. He too spoke of how he gives witness to his faith on a daily basis. He’s a man who gives great witness not only in his teaching but through his involvement with Armagh Diocesan Youth Council, School Aid Romania and St Vincent de Paul. Gerard helped to lead a number of youth pilgrimages over the last few years.
After the lovely Prayer Service, Archbishop Martin launched a new book on the life and martyrdom of St Oliver Plunkett. “ Not Force Nor Might” The Gift of the Martyr.
A special “Week of Witness” will be celebrated in the Archdiocese of Armagh from Sunday 24 – Friday 29 November 2019. During the week, a number of events will take place to celebrate the lives of those who have given great witness to their faith in the past and those who continue to give witness today and all who will continue to give great witness in the future.
On Sunday 24th November, Bishop Michael Router will launch the ‘week of Witness’ at the 10.30am Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral.
On Tuesday 26th November, a special lecture will be given by Jean Harrington in The Magnet Pastoral Centre, Dundalk at 7.30pm on “Martyrdom in the 21st century”. Jean is the author of “Murder in the Missions – a true story” which was published earlier this year. Admission is free on the evening. Poster attached.
On Wednesday 27th November (Red Wednesday) Archbishop Martin will lead a special “Liturgy of Witness” in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh at 7.30pm. People are invited to wear something red as we remember all who have given and all who continue to give great witness to their faith. During the celebration, Archbishop Martin will speak with two young people who give great witness to their faith today. After the Liturgy, Archbishop Martin will launch a new book in The Synod Hall titled “Not might nor fear – Prayers and Reflections on the new Statue of St Oliver Plunkett” edited by Canon Benedict Fee. Poster attached
On Thursday 28th November, Archbishop Martin will celebrate the 10am Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral and during the Mass, special prayers will be offered for all who give witness to their faith in the world today. After the Mass, the Archbishop will join with all the young people who are to be confirmed in the Cathedral Parish this year, in leading a “Walk of Witness” within the Cathedral and as part of the walk, prayers will be offered that all of us may respond to the call to be more faithful in giving witness to the faith in our homes and in our communities.
Today at Mass in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, Bishop Michael Router launched the ‘Week of Witness’ – an invitation to Christians across the island of Ireland to stand in solidarity with, and bear witness to the heroic example of, our persecuted brothers and sisters in faith across the world.
The Week of Witness is organised and promoted by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need and is held every year from 25 November to 1 December. This special week involves important talks and exhibitions throughout the island of Ireland on the theme of Christian persecution. During the ‘Week of Witness’, ACN Ireland will hold the Red Wednesday Prayer Vigil with the prayerful assistance of dioceses and parishes throughout the country. Red Wednesday is an opportunity for the faithful to gather as a community to pray not just for persecuted Christians – but also for the persecutors of Christians.
In his homily delivered at Mass today (see full text below), Bishop Router referred to the beautiful new statue of the martyr Saint Oliver Plunkett that was unveiled in the Cathedral by Archbishop Eamon Martin on 9 July last. Bishop Router said,
“As you stand below the statue and look up; you look up into his eyes. Those eyes capture the pain of the moment, but they also capture the strength of character that Oliver had and the hope that lies at the heart of our Christian faith. This hope and conviction has inspired so many millions of Christians to give their life rather than to give up their faith in Jesus as their saviour and as the saviour of an ungrateful world. The inscription at the base of Saint Oliver’s statue reads, ‘All holy martyrs of yesterday, today and tomorrow, pray for us’. It recognises that the persecution and martyrdom of Christians is not just an historical footnote but something that is very real today and will continue. Christians are the most persecuted religious grouping in the world at present. The Pew Research Centre in London reported in the June 2018 that in 143 of the 195 countries around the world there were incidents of persecution and harassment against Christians.”
Bishop Router also addressed the question as to why persecution against Christians still exists, suggesting that there may be many different political and social reasons,
“in many places it is because the Christian Churches challenge the systems of injustice, oppression and brute force that exist. True Christianity has always stood for the rights of everyone particularly the basic rights that come before all else: the right to life, the right to food and shelter, the right to education. Often in defending these rights Christians have had to stand against the powerful, the wealthy and the tyrannical and have suffered as a result”.
Bishop Router referred to some of the statistics on the persecution and martyrdom of Christians since 2017 included in the Aid to the Church in Need report Persecuted and Forgotten. In that period, for example, 4,305 Christians have been killed for their faith, 1,847 churches and other Christian places of worship were attacked, and 3,150 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned. The report also states that between 2017 and 2019 Christians were the victims of 80% of all persecution worldwide.
Bishop Router warned that as we listen to statistics and stories from around the world we tend to think that the persecution of Christians is a distant problem that happens elsewhere. He reminded the congregation that,
“even here in Ireland, to publicly espouse Christian ideals can lead to ridicule, insult and aggression. So today, and every day, we are called to be witnesses and to take on a kind of martyrdom in standing up for what we believe in and what we know is right and just. On this feast of Christ the King, the crucified King, we are reminded that Jesus’ suffering and death brought about a transformation in the world … Through the blood of the martyrs, and the pain of the persecuted, a light is being shone even in the darkest places. So, stand and let your light shine and commend your spirit, your future, your life, into the hands of God”.
ENDS
Homily of Bishop Michael Router for the launch of ‘Week of Witness’ 2019
Introduction
We celebrate the feast of Christ the King this weekend, remembering that the life of Jesus our saviour and king ended in the pain and humility of the Cross. Since His sacrifice on the Cross so many others have suffered or laid down their lives for His sake and in order to bring the transformation that He promised into the world.
Such persecution and suffering is still experienced by many Catholics and by Christian’s around the world. Today we pray for those who are suffering for their faith in this ‘Week of Witness’ – a week to remember the martyrs of yesterday and today. As we commemorate them we pray for a little of their strength and conviction and for the determination to stand up for our faith despite the suffering it will inevitably bring.
Homily
On the 9 July this year Archbishop Eamon Martin unveiled the beautiful new statue of Saint Oliver Plunkett that stands here to the left of the sanctuary. The statue created by the artist Donie McManus is a haunting representation of Saint Oliver in the moments before he was executed, essentially for his Catholic beliefs and his position as Primate of the Irish Church. As you stand below the statue and look up; you look up into his eyes. Those eyes capture the pain of the moment, but they also capture the strength of character that Oliver had and the hope that lies at the heart of our Christian faith. This hope and conviction has inspired so many millions of Christians to give their life rather than to give up their faith in Jesus as their saviour and as the saviour of an ungrateful world.
The inscription at the base of Saint Oliver’s statue reads ‘All holy martyrs of yesterday, today and tomorrow, pray for us’. It recognises that the persecution and martyrdom of Christians is not just an historical footnote but something that is very real today and will, continue into the future. Christians are the most persecuted religious grouping in the world at present. The Pew Research Centre in London reported in the June 2018 that in 143 of the 195 countries around the world there were incidents of persecution and harassment against Christians.
Why is it that Christians still suffer so much intimidation and discrimination? There are probably many different reasons for this including political and social reasons but no doubt in many places it is because the Christian Churches challenge the systems of injustice, oppression and brute force that exist. True Christianity has always stood for the rights of everyone particularly the basic rights that come before all else; the right to life, the right to food and shelter, the right to education. Often in defending these rights Christians have had to stand against the powerful, the wealthy and the tyrannical and have suffered as a result.
There are many places around the world were the treatment of Christians has gone beyond even harassment and intimidation. Aid to the Church in Need, in its recent report entitled Persecuted and Forgotten outlines in detail the facts and statistics surrounding the persecution and martyrdom of Christians since 2017. In that period 4,305 Christians have been killed for their faith, 1,847 churches and other Christian places of worship were attacked, and 3,150 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned. Remarkably the report also states that in that time Christians were the victims of 80% of all persecution worldwide.
Over this past year we have heard about the awful bombing on Easter Sunday of Catholic Churches and Christian places of worship in Sri Lanka. 259 people were killed, and hundreds injured. In January two bombs went off inside and outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Philippines killing 22 people and between February and April more than 300 were killed in a series of attacks on Christians in the Northern Nigerian states of Kaduna and Adamawa.
North Korea is the number one country on the 2018 World Watch List, the ‘Open Doors’ annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians are most persecuted for their faith. It is without doubt one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a follower of Jesus. It is estimated that there are between 200,000 and 400,000 secret Christians in that grim communist state, and that nearly 70,000 of them are being held in horrific labour camps because of their faith.
Hea Woo was one such Christian who knew what it was like to spend time in one of those prison camps. In her account of life in the camp she said that the authorities and the guards were merciless. They constantly kicked her and beat her with sticks. Many of the inmates died on a daily basis, their bodies burned, and the ashes scattered on the paths around the camp. Yet even in the horror of her incarceration she felt that God was at work and that He helped her to survive but, not only that, He inspired her to evangelise the other prisoners. She set up a small group of five others who met together in a toilet; the only place that was out of view of the guards. There they held a short service exchanging bible verses and quietly singing hymns such as Amazing Grace. These moments of prayer and togetherness helped Hea Woo to survive and thankfully she was eventually released before escaping to South Korea.
As you listen to these statistics and stories you may be inclined to think that such treatment of Christians is what you would expect to find in countries like North Korea, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, or Pakistan. We do tend, however, to overlook persecution closer to home. It may not be on a scale found in those countries but in many western countries – even here in Ireland – to publicly espouse Christian ideals can lead to ridicule, insult and aggression. So today, and everyday, we are all called to be witnesses and to take on a kind of martyrdom in standing up for what we believe in and what we know is right and just. We need the strength and courage of Saint Oliver Plunkett and the conviction and hope of Hae Woo to live the Christian faith in an increasingly hostile world.
On this feast of Christ the King, the crucified King, we are reminded that Jesus’ suffering and death brought about a transformation in the world. Despite the ongoing violence, persecution and oppression, we must believe that through Christ the victory is won and, ultimately, we have nothing to fear. Through the blood of the martyrs, and the pain of the persecuted, a light is being shone even in the darkest places. So, stand and let your light shine and commend your spirit, your future, your life, into the hands of God.
Amen.
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