The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, used her first Christmas message to urge people to take time to think about “the values that truly matter: kindness, tolerance, respect for each other’s differences, and to reflect on how we may nurture our shared humanity”.
In a speech delivered in both Irish and English, the President said Christmas represents a season of goodwill and hope, while also offering a chance to look forward to a new year full of opportunity, reports RTE.
Referring to the winter solstice, she said that although this time marks the shortest and darkest days of the year, it also signals the slow return of light – a reminder, she noted, that brighter days can still come even during challenging periods.
“Christmas invites us to reflect on the values that truly matter; kindness, tolerance, respect for each other’s differences, and to reflect on how we may nurture our shared humanity,” she said, reports RTE.
She said her thoughts were with the millions of people worldwide affected by climate change, war, conflict and displacement, highlighting in particular those suffering in Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan.
“Our own history, marked by forced emigration and loss, gives us a lived understanding of the brutal realities of dispossession, hunger and war,” she said, reports RTE.
The President also paid tribute to those experiencing loneliness, illness or homelessness over the Christmas period, as well as families grieving the absence of loved ones.
“We think of all those who generously give up so much of their Christmas to serve the needs of others, the many wonderful carers – those supporting loved ones within their own families, and those providing care in homes and communities across the country – those attending to the needs of the homeless, the vulnerable and the marginalised, our hospital workers and our emergency services, reports RTE.
“I also wish to extend my deep gratitude to the members of the Irish Defence Forces who will spend this Christmas overseas, separated from their loved ones, safeguarding peace and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our shared global family, in regions far from our shores,” the President said, reports RTE.
Turning to the Irish diaspora, the President said emigration forms part of almost every family’s history and she sent her warm wishes to Irish people living across the globe.
Concluding her address, Ms Connolly said: “We celebrate this Christmas season acutely aware of the challenges facing Ireland and the wider world. Now more than ever we must work together and use our voices to celebrate diversity, to champion sustainable solutions to the climate crisis and to advocate for peaceful resolutions to conflict and war, reports RTE.
“I wish each and every one of you a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with light, joy, and peace,” reports RTE.
“Níl fúm anois ach Beannachtaí na Nollag a guidh oraibh ar fad agus sonas agus suaimhneas sa bhliain amach romhainn.” reports RTE.
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