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

Embracing the Season of Creation 2024: The First fruits of Hope

Video from the Young Persons Resource from Season of Creation

Listening to Creation’s Cry

Paul’s imagery of a groaning Earth highlights the suffering caused by our exploitation of natural resources and the environment. We see this in the effects of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and environmental destruction. The Earth, along with communities losing their homes and species facing extinction, is crying out due to our unsustainable practices.

Biblical hope is not passive waiting; it calls for active involvement. Like the process of childbirth, which involves pain but leads to new life, hope in the face of environmental destruction requires action. The Season of Creation 2024 theme, “To hope and act with Creation,” urges us to be proactive. Hope is not just about wishing for change; it drives us to work for justice and transformation.

The First fruits of Hope: Building a Better Future

The symbol for this year, “The First fruits of Hope,” signifies that through hope, we can overcome the damage and decay threatening our world. This hope is a gift from God, enabling us to act responsibly. It encourages us to move beyond selfish goals towards a more profound sense of duty to care for our planet. By nurturing hope, we participate in the renewal of our world, working together to create harmony within creation.

Hopeful actions can take many forms, such as supporting sustainability initiatives, advocating for policies like the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and educating ourselves and others about the importance of caring for the Earth. These actions are the seeds of hope that, when nurtured, can lead to meaningful change.

Our Role as Stewards of Creation

According to Pauline theology, humanity and creation are deeply connected, both conceived in Christ. As stewards of the Earth, we are called to care for creation, reflecting God’s love and respect. The Earth awaits the actions of those who recognise their role as caretakers of creation. We are not separate from nature; we are part of a cosmic family that includes all living beings.

This understanding urges us to act. We must recognise that the harm we do to the Earth affects us all. Our ecological sins—our neglect and selfishness—bring pain not only to the planet but also to ourselves. We should channel our frustration into positive actions that promote justice and healing. As Saint Augustine famously said, “Hope has two beautiful daughters: Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” Let this anger and courage inspire us to work towards a better world.

Moving Forward: Patience and Endurance in Hope

Creating a hopeful future is a gradual process. Change takes time, and true ecological conversion requires patience and persistence. We may not always see immediate results, but hope reminds us that every effort counts. By taking small steps towards sustainability and justice, we contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

As we embrace the Season of Creation 2024, let us commit to cultivating the first fruits of hope. Let us listen to the cries of the Earth and respond with compassion and action. Let us stand with those suffering from the effects of climate change and work together for a future where peace, justice, and harmony thrive.

A Call to Hope and Action

The Season of Creation 2024 invites us to a deeper spiritual awareness. It challenges us to see the Earth not just as a resource but as a sacred gift to be cherished. It calls us to active hope, engaging with the struggles of our time to build a better future. By nurturing the first fruits of hope, we take part in the divine work of healing and renewal. Let our actions reflect our hope, and may we witness a world where creation flourishes and all beings live in harmony!

Season of Creation Resources: 

To support this, resources have been developed to help parishes, schools, and groups across the Archdiocese of Armagh engage in building hope. Inspired by St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, these materials encourage reflection on our role in God’s creation and our environmental responsibility.

The Young Persons resource is particularly engaging and includes a video featuring audio from the Apollo 8 space mission. During their lunar orbit in December 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts broadcast a live message to Earth, reading the first ten verses of Genesis, the biblical creation story. The Season of Creation invites reflection on our relationship with the Earth, with the Apollo 8 message serving as a poignant reminder of our world’s beauty and the need to care for it.

• Season of Creation Website
• Celebration Guide
• Biblical Theme and Symbol Guide
• Community Invitation to Get Involved 

Young People and Season of Creation

• Guide to Accompanying Young People during Season of Creation
• PowerPoint link to accompany young persons guide

Saint Patrick’s Pontifical College Maynooth are accepting applications for their Diploma in Church Music.  The programme is suitable for those already involved in the ministry of church music in the Christian tradition, whether as organists, singers or choir directors.

Programme is suitable for those already involved in the ministry of church music in the Christian tradition, whether as organists, singers or choir directors.

Course Duration:  2 year part-time with classes scheduled on Friday evenings /Saturday mornings – 12 sessions per year.

Click Here for Further Details