Bishop Keenan has written the following Christmas Message for the local press.

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Bishop Keenan has responded to requests from the local press to send a Christmas Message to the readership of local newspapers across the diocese.

Reflecting upon the year gone by, the bishop thanked God for the graces and blessings that have come from Him in 2023, whilst acknowledging the difficulties endured by many. Speaking of this darkness, the bishop recognised that the Light of the World shines through the generosity of so many people across the diocese.

Read Bishop Keenan's Christmas Message:

As we prepare for the festivities of Christmas and the arrival of the Christ Child, we are given the opportunity to reflect upon the year gone by.

We thank God for the graces and blessings we have received from Him in 2023, but we also remember with sadness the difficulties that we and our world have had to endure this year. This sadness, though, must never become despair; we are assured that Jesus, the Light of the World, will conquer the darkness.

At this time of year, it truly warms my heart to see so many of our people in parishes and other organisations responding to the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves. Food drives, soup kitchens and other charity appeals really do reflect the light of the Christ Child in the world. They always remind us that in all things and at all times, Emmanuel—God with us—is in our midst.

I pray that His light will shine ever brighter in our society and our world, and that His grace will dwell in our hearts and homes in the coming year.

May God bless you today and always.
+ John