Bishops’ joint message of hope

The Catholic and Anglican bishops of Cork have issued a joint Christmas message, calling on the faithful to remember the season’s true meaning and to consider those forced to emigrate because of the recession.

The message from Bishop Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne, and Ross, and Bishop John Buckley, Bishop of Cork and Ross, also praises the Christian spirit of local charities.

The bishops state: “As in the past few years, this Christmas occurs within an enduring and cruel recession that has reduced many to poverty and forced thousands of our young people to leave their native land in search of employment, far away from all that is dear to them. At special times like this their absence is most keenly felt at home.