Archbishop Eamon Martin statement on Bondi beach attack

Archbishop Eamon Martin

Source: Irish Catholic Media Office

Archbishop Eamon Martin delivered this statement during the annual Christmas Carol Service today in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh:

As we gather this evening for our Christmas carol service, and light the third candle on our Advent wreath, we unite with our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world who are celebrating the festival of Hanukkah today, and whose festival of light this year has been horrifically overshadowed by the darkness and evil of a terror attack on the Hannukah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, leaving 12 people dead and many, many more injured.

I know that many Irish families have sons and daughters living in the Sydney and Bondi Beach area, as well as countless others in other parts of Australia, and no doubt everyone is deeply impacted by the awful attack which must have been terribly shocking and frightening for everyone present.

Sadly, in recent times there appears to have been arise in antisemitism, and every one of us Christians must do everything in our power to counteract prejudice and hatred towards our Jewish brothers and sisters, or indeed towards any minorities.

Jesus came into our world fulfilling the age old prophecy of Isaiah that the people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.

Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace, and tonight we pray for peace and comfort for all those families who have been bereaved in this awful attack, for those who have been injured, and for the courageous first responders who helped to prevent even more death and destruction.