Statement for the Summer 2025 General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference
Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered this week at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, for their Summer 2025 General Meeting. The President of the Conference is Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, and the Vice-President is Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin. Bishops welcomed to their meeting Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, the Apostolic Visitor for the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic faithful in Ireland, who joined the bishops for prayers for peace and a discussion on the pastoral care and spiritual support of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic faithful who have found refuge here since 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
During their plenary meeting, Bishops prayed for the Petrine ministry of our new Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, and for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis RIP. Bishops also prayed for the victims of the school shooting yesterday in Graz, Austria, that the Lord may console the grieving families at this time of heartbreak, and included prayers for peace in Gaza, South Sudan, Los Angeles and in other conflict regions around the world.
Bishops also met with Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin of Tigray, Ethiopia, along with senior executives of Trócaire to discuss food insecurity in East Africa and the impact of climate change on people and livelihoods in the region. This meeting follows the visit of a Trócaire delegation of bishops and officials to Addis Ababa and to Tigray last November.
Conscious of the pressure facing young people – and their families – as they sit their Leaving Cert, Junior Cycle, A-level, AS-level, GCSE, apprenticeship, college and university exams, bishops prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide our young people to enable them to fulfil their potential at this time, and in their future careers.
Issues discussed by bishops during the Bishops’ Summer General Meeting included:
- Gaza: “Words are not enough!” – Bishops call for solidarity at parish level
- Bishops encourage child safeguarding vigilance in parishes across Ireland
- Day for Life 2025 message: Hope does not disappoint: Finding meaning in suffering’
- Church’s pastoral role in addressing addiction and reform of the Confirmation Pledge
- Synodality – in Ireland and Universally
- TheWay.ie – new unified digital platform dedicated to sharing the Good News
- New era for Church publications
- Maynooth Union annual celebration of milestone anniversaries of ordination classes
- Road safety and in particular the A5 single carriageway in Northern Ireland
- In Memoriam
- Gaza: “Words are not enough!” – Bishops call for solidarity at parish level
Bishops stated the following concerning the humanitarian disaster in Gaza:
“In Gaza people are starving and adequate aid is being denied; it seems clear that famine is being used as a weapon of war. Already over 600,000 Palestinians have been displaced. The evidence points to a staged strategy of ethnic cleansing aimed at removing the Palestinian people from their homes and their homeland. It is becoming increasingly clear to people on the ground that these are genocidal actions sanctioned by the Government of Israel.
“What is happening in Gaza – and the West Bank – is the death of tens of thousands of non-combatants, many of them women and children. This is unconscionable and disproportionate. It is immoral for world leaders to stand by inactively in the face of this outrageous tragedy for humanity.
“Words are not enough! There is an urgent need for the international community to intervene, cut off arms supplies and bring the carnage to an end. This will call for courage on the part of leaders. Examples of courage are being given every day by heroic doctors, nurses and aid workers risking their lives in service of the wounded and those who have been displaced.”
As noted already, bishops offered prayers for the people of Gaza and Ukraine as well as other troubled places in the world. In relation to the deteriorating situation in Gaza they noted that as of early June 2025, the humanitarian crisis there has intensified dramatically. To date, almost 55,000 people have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank, since the horrific events of 7 October 2023.
Bishops welcomed the response to their call in their statement of 26 May for a ‘Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace’ in Gaza on Friday last, 6 June. The entire month of June, the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, should be a time of special prayer for peace. All parishes are asked to give expression to their solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza during June.
Bishops continued, “People in parishes across the country are horrified by what they are witnessing. They may feel helpless. But they can show their solidarity in different ways by lobbying their political representatives, by supporting humanitarian aid and, above all, by continuing to pray for an end to the conflict now and the resumption of peace, including the return of all hostages and prisoners.”
Bishops listened again to the recent words of Pope Leo XIV and resonated with them: “In the Gaza Strip, the cry of mothers, of fathers who clutch the lifeless bodies of children and who are continually forced to move in search of a little food and safer shelter from bombing, rises ever more intensely to the sky. I renew my appeal to the leaders: cease-fire, release all hostages, fully respect humanitarian law. Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.’ (General Audience, 28 May 2025).”
- Bishops encourage child safeguarding vigilance in parishes across Ireland
Dr Keith Holmes, chair of the National Board, and CEO Mr Aidan Gordon, presented on the National Board’s 2024 annual report, covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. 385 new allegations were notified to the Board over the 2024/25 period, representing an increase of over 50% compared to 2023/24. The report states that, “As has been the pattern in recent years, the vast majority of the allegations relate to the period from 1960 to 1989. 282 of the 385, or 73%, are in this category. Only 2, or less than 0.5%, relate to the period post-2000.”
This increase in notifications predominantly occurred from September 2024, this coinciding with the publication by Mary O’Toole SC of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious. Bishops encouraged parishes to continue to be vigilant in terms of child safeguarding, and commended the work of local volunteers in keeping the Church a safe place for children. The Towards Healing free and confidential helpline and counselling referral service and, separately, the spiritual support service of Towards Peace, continue to provide professional assistance to survivors on their journey of healing.
Bishops welcomed the theme of the National Board’s forthcoming conference, to take place in Athlone, which will promote listening with compassion; encourage innovative approaches to engage with victims and survivors; and also include the voices of survivors amongst the contributors.
- Day for Life 2025 message: Hope does not disappoint: Finding meaning in suffering’
The 2025 ‘Day for Life’ joint pastoral message will be celebrated by the Catholic Church in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales this Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity, 15 June, on the theme: Hope does not disappoint: Finding meaning in suffering. This annual day offers the faithful the opportunity to express their prayerful support for all human life from conception to natural end. This year’s message is an invitation to pray for those who suffer and to remain with them like the Good Samaritan, bearing witness to their unique and unrepeatable value. The pastoral message opens with:
For as long as history has been written, the world has never been without struggle and suffering. Through the lens of television and social media, however, the suffering of the whole world appears on our personal devices.
Many of us find it hard to make sense of a world in which suffering seems to press down from every direction: pandemic; war; homelessness; violence in our streets, addiction. Then, often without warning, we find ourselves caught up in the struggle when serious illness comes into our own lives.
Suffering touches every person at some point in their lives. It is often associated with illness, grief, and loss. It is not only caused by physical pain but includes emotional suffering as well as ‘soul pain’, such as depression and despair. Christians are not immune to this mystery and we often struggle to know how best to respond to it, and where we can find hope.
‘Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us’ (Rom 5:5-6). Saint Paul invites us to see that Christian hope is not just naïve optimism but, rather, an unshakeable trust in the power and presence of God who is with us always. This hope can endure the darkness of human suffering and even see beyond it. That is because Christian hope is anchored in God who is Love and whose love reaches out to us and lifts us up day after day.
Care for the sick and suffering was central to the ministry of Jesus. Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan as a way of explaining what it means to be a “neighbour” to another person. The Good Samaritan is someone who sees and is moved to compassion (while others turn away), who draws close, who “binds up wounds”, who accompanies the person in need, and who continues to care for as long as it is needed.
Bishops encouraged parishes to make the 2025 ‘Day for Life’ pastoral message, which includes prayer resources, available at Masses this weekend. Its content can be accessed on councilforlife.ie
- Church’s pastoral role in addressing addiction and reform of the Confirmation Pledge
The Archdiocese of Dublin has just marked the centenary of the death of Venerable Matt Talbot, the Apostle of Hope, with three days of prayer, procession and discussion. A native of Dublin, Matt Talbot was a figure of deep faith and personal transformation, whose legacy of prayer, penance, and devotion to the sacraments offers real hope for those struggling with addiction today. Addiction is not a moral failure, and every person is worthy of redemption and care. See related homilies of Archbishop Dermot Farrell and Bishop Michael Router here.
The Church in Ireland is seeking to honour Venerable Matt Talbot’s legacy in spiritual and practical ways by inspiring this and the future generations to make positive life choices. Next year, the Irish Bishops’ Drugs and Alcohol Initiative, in partnership with the Catholic Primary School Management Association, will produce an additional online module to complement the Grow in Love resource series that is used by pupils preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This new online module will be made available to all schools for the benefit of pupils who wish to avail of the opportunity to take an updated Confirmation Pledge to abstain from alcohol, smoking and vaping until 18 years-old, as well as to encourage healthier lifestyle choices during the formative years. This initiative not only honours Matt Talbot’s legacy, but also supports our young people in terms of physical and mental health, and goes some way to address the concerns of parents regarding new and harmful substances impacting the health and wellbeing of their children.
- Synodality – in Ireland and Universally
Synodal Pathway ahead of the Pre-Synodal Assembly in Kilkenny on 18 October
Bishops discussed next steps for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland. On 15 and 16 May, the National Synodal Team gathered for prayerful discernment at Dalgan Park, Navan, to reflect on the rich feedback received from the spring gatherings held across Ireland. Guided by a spirit of deep listening, facilitated conversation, and communal reflection, the team engaged with 36 submissions representing dioceses, religious congregations, lay groups, movements and associations. Across the diverse range of themes, concerns, and priorities submitted, the National Team discerned a common thread: a deep yearning for a Church in which all the faithful embrace fully their baptismal dignity, identity, and responsibility, recognising it as the source from which flow co-responsibility, participation, inclusion, and missionary discipleship. This recognition led to the proposal that Baptism be adopted as the theological and pastoral framework through which all other priorities will be considered, and that this offers a spiritually grounded and unifying vision for renewal at the Pre-Synodal Assembly scheduled for 18 October 2025 at the Kilkenny Convention Centre. A preparatory document will now be prepared by the National Synodal Team for delegates attending the Pre-Synodal Assembly, as well as dioceses and parishes, ensuring continued engagement and discernment across the Church in Ireland.
Accompaniment and Evaluation Phase of the Universal Synod on Synodality
Bishops discussed the implementation stage of the Universal Synod on Synodality and its global process of accompaniment and evaluation. The announcement of this phase began with a call from Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, for all Diocesan Synodal Teams to register formally with the Synod Secretariat in Rome. The Cardinal’s letter of 15 March 2025 stressed the importance of each local Church receiving and contextualising the Synod’s Final Document through its own lived reality, rather than applying it through top-down directives. To ensure full participation and effective communication, diocesan teams worldwide have been asked to submit their details through the dedicated portal. This phase includes a carefully structured timeline for local, national, and continental implementation, reflection, and evaluation, culminating in an ecclesial assembly in Rome in October 2028.
- The Way.ie – new unified digital platform dedicated to sharing the Good News
As part of a wider communications strategy, the soft launch of The Way.ie took place in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, on 6 June at the CCO seminar by Archbishop Eamon Martin on the theme of ‘Communicating Christian Hope’. Bishops welcomed the launch of this new unified digital platform which is dedicated to sharing the Good News and the witness of the Catholic Church, helping people to discover, live and pass on the faith. This platform will incorporate CatholicNews.ie and focus on multimedia storytelling and social media engagement. A full launch will take place in September.
Bishops encourage dioceses and parishes to engage with the platform by sharing and using the content freely across their own websites and social media platforms. Dioceses and parishes can also include a link in their parish newsletter signposting to the platform.
Everyone is invited to explore Theway.ie , sign up for the e-zine, and follow, like, and subscribe on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
- New era for Church publications
As the winding down of the Veritas company nears completion, Bishops said:
“We wish to express our deep gratitude to the former employees and customers of Veritas Communications CLG for their hard work and loyalty over many decades. Veritas was one of the most recognisable high street brands in Ireland, north and south, and it provided a source of great joy and spiritual comfort to generations of children preparing for the Sacraments as well as to anyone with an interest in theology and reading about the life of the Church at home and abroad. Veritas served the publishing and catechetical needs of the Bishops’ Conference very well, and the closure of its business operations represents a great loss to all directly involved and for the whole Church in Ireland.”
Some resources that were previously supplied by Veritas are now being provided by two new publishers. Parishes are asked to make contact with these new publishers for required supplies of Church-related print material and publications:
– To obtain Pre Nuptial Inquiry Forms, copies of certificates – Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Death – Letters of Freedom, Parish Registers, Order of Christian Funerals and other ritual books, please contact Aid to the Church in Need (Ireland) on [email protected], and/or its dedicated mobile number +353 (0) 87 7928790. For those who wish to place their order by post, please do so via: Sales Department, ACN Church Resources, 151 Saint Mobhi Rd, Glasnevin, D09 HC82. ACN Church Resources will also publish the pastoral magazine Intercom, the annual Irish Catholic Directory and the Liturgical Calendar for Ireland, as well as managing content on the associated social media and online platforms.
– The Grow in Love primary school religious book series and the portfolio of religious school books will now be distributed by the Folens publishing company. Folens is also responsible for managing the growinlove.ie website, along with other related websites and apps. For further information please contact [email protected] or phone +353 1 4137 200.
- Annual Maynooth Union celebrating milestone anniversaries of ordination classes
Bishops offered prayers of thanksgiving for all clergy, and especially for those attending this week at the annual Maynooth Union in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The gathering offers an opportunity for priests marking significant anniversaries of their ordination (year) – silver (2000), golden (1975) and diamond (1965) jubilees – to celebrate together and enjoy memories of college days as well to discuss issues of current interest. Mass for jubilarians was celebrated in the historic College Chapel, and the homilist was Father Jason Murphy of Kilmore. The Union’s guest speaker was Rome-based broadcast journalist Colm Flynn, originally from Ennis, Co Clare, and Archbishop Eamon Martin spoke to the gathering after dinner in Pugin Hall along with Rev Dr Michael Shorthall, and Rev Dr Tómas Surlis, President and Rector respectively of Saint Patrick’s College. The main address was delivered by Rev Dr Eugene Duffy of Achonry, President of the Maynooth Union.
- Road safety and in particular the A5 single carriageway in Northern Ireland
Bishops noted the recent number of road fatalities and extended their sympathy to the many families bereaved through road collisions. To date across the island of Ireland, there have been 73 road fatalities in the South, and 20 in the North. Bishops reiterated their call for care by and for all who use the roads.
Northern Bishops expressed their concern that the A5 single carriageway in Northern Ireland remains a very dangerous major route. Almost 60 people have died on the road since 2006. Bishops encouraged all involved in the planned dualling of the road from Aughnacloy to Derry to ensure that work begins without delay.
Bishops stated, “We must be conscious that each of us has a responsibility when we get behind the wheel to ensure we are not putting our lives or the lives of others at risk. So ask everyone to make every effort to avert these tragedies. Slow down, put away all distractions, wear necessary safety equipment and keep clear-headed and alert when driving, walking and cycling on our roads. Everyone shares a responsibility to protect human life.
“This loss of life on our roads is a tragedy for society and particularly devastating for the families and loved ones of the deceased. We encourage parishes to pray at Mass for those who have lost their lives and have been injured so far this year. Let us also remember and commend the clergy, first responders, the Gardaí and PSNI officers who witness awful scenes at road collisions.”
- In Memoriam
Bishops prayed for the repose of the soul of Bishop Brendan Comiskey ss.cc. RIP, Bishop Emeritus of Ferns, who passed into Eternal Life on 28 April 2025. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
