This weekend 300 delegates from parishes, schools and ecclesial groups across the cross-border Archdiocese of Armagh have gathered in Armagh City Hotel for the first Diocesan Congress on Youth, Family and Faith. Delegates will discern the Church’s ongoing work to support the faith of young people and families in contemporary Ireland.
Addressing congress delegates, Archbishop Eamon Martin (pictured), Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, said, “Pope Leo XIV sends his heartfelt greetings of good wishes to those taking part in the Diocesan Congress on ‘Youth, Family and Faith’. The Holy Father trusts that this stage in our continuing journey of renewal and mission will help all in the Archdiocese of Armagh to rekindle the flame of faith once ignited by Saint Patrick so many centuries ago.
“In a particular way, His Holiness encourages the young people present to open their hearts to discover the real and lasting love of God, upon which they can build their lives without fear of failure or disappointment (cf. Mt 7:24-27). Pope Leo XIV likewise prays that all youth in Ireland may discover Jesus as a true friend, and allow that friendship to transform and guide them in discerning his will for their lives.”
“Moreover, at a time when the family is facing diverse challenges, Pope Leo trusts that this Congress will seek concrete ways to strengthen the ties between parish and family life in such a way that, by mutually building each other up, the Church community will truly contribute to a stable and life-giving culture (cf. 1 Tess 5:11). Entrusting all the participants to the intercession of the Saints of Armagh and the maternal care of Our Lady of Knock, the Holy Father imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of serenity and revival in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Martin said.
The gathering follows several years of consultation and listening across the Archdiocese as part of the wider Synodal journey of the Catholic Church. Delegates are reflecting on pastoral priorities including belonging, faith formation, youth participation in parish life, prayer and spirituality, and digital evangelisation. Consideration will be given to a series of proposals that have emerged from the consultation, and recommendations will be submitted to the Archbishop regarding the pastoral priorities to guide the future of the Church in Armagh.
ENDS