The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord is the day when we remember the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ as the child of Our Lady and St Joseph in Bethlehem. It is the day that we give thanks for the bringing down to earth from heaven the “Word made Flesh”.

Attack on the Church in Ireland

It is very sad to hear that in the early hours of this morning, the Cathedral Church of St Mel in Longford, Ireland, was gutted by fire. The Most Reverend Dr Colm O’Reilly, Lord Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise had celebrated Midnight Mass late last night – the First Mass of Christmas – yet this morning His Lordship’s Cathedral has suffered damage in excess of an estimated €2 million.

RTÉ | Longford Cathedral gutted in fire

It has been suggested that the burning of this Cathedral may be in reaction to the recent report into abuse in the Dublin Diocese. Let us hope and pray that the Gardaí are given every assistance in finding those responsible.

Not just in Ireland but at the heart of the Vatican…

The Sovereign Pontiff was attacked during the procession at the beginning of Midnight Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. Having been knocked to the ground, His Holiness was given assistance to rise, and then proceeded bravely to continue to celebrate Mass. Once again, this show the bravery of Pope Benedict XVI.

This is the Pope that has given the Church the Apostolic Letter, Summorum Pontificum, and more recently the new arrangements for the reception of more Anglicans into full communion with the Church.

Let us all pray for the continued health of the Sovereign Pontiff. Ad multos annos!