MESSAGES FROM OUR CHURCH LEADERS
fall short in many ways today simply because we have not or do not truly understand the principle of love as present in Christ Jesus. I pray for all of you that you have the Light of Faith as understood by Abraham and the Gospel of Love as found in Christ Jesus this Christmas season.
There are also so many preparations that are going on at this time of year in parish life. I am so grateful to Rev Margaret Sykes, assistant priest in Wexford and Kilscoran Union, for reaching on parts of pastoral ministry that I have not been able to do so well of late. Those familiar with St Iberius Church on the main street in Wexford will have seen the scaffolding on the front of the church during the Opera Festival and until recently. The lime plaster has been completed on the section south of the tower. This has cost just less than €40,000, of which a grant was received for €30,000 from the Structures At Risk Fund.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Wexford County Council, Wexford Municipal Borough District, the Heritage Council, the Diocesan Council and all who have given us support with this work. Further to the members of these supportive organisations we must also add a word of appreciation to TD Brendan Howlin (Labour Party Leader), Ciaran Kelly (CKRC Construction), Dermot Nolan (Dermot Nolan & Associates) and Sir David Davies (president, Irish Georgian Society; president, Wexford Festival Opera) who have taken much time and trouble to support us with particular attention to the development of our work at St Iberius.
The ‘Large Christmas Tree’, 28ft in height, is in place in St Iberius Church again this year. The tree is generously donated by an anonymous donor each year in support of the Four Day Fast. My very good friend Fr Aodhán Marken will be with me again this year for the St Iberius Four Day Fast on the steps of the church. This is a challenging undertaking each year but a worthy one. God gives us strength for the task.
The generosity of the people of Wexford, town and county, is such a very great encouragement. Last year saw €48,500 raised and divided among several Wexford charities.
The ‘Memorial Lights Tree’ is also in place outside St Iberius Church. This is a very special way of remembering loved ones, now in the care of our Lord, at Christmas. All proceeds, most people make a donation of €5 per light/card placed on the tree, go towards the Four Day Fast Charities and the proceeds usually make up about €1,500 each year. The names on all cards together with their loved ones will be remembered at a service in the church over the Christmas season.
I would also encourage people in following the excellent Wexford tradition of visiting the cribs at Christmas. All people together with grandparents and parents taking children on a walking tour of the Christmas cribs in the town. What a lovely way to spend a day taking time out to think about the real reason for the season. Blessings to all for a very happy Christmas and a joy filled 2018.