ACN Ireland on mission in parishes around Ireland
13/08/2024, Author: Michael Kelly
As well as working to support struggling Christian communities around the world, a major part of the work of ACN Ireland is to raise awareness of and solidarity with the suffering Church. Representatives of ACN Ireland are visiting parishes, prayer groups and faith communities all across the country urging people to pray for Christians who are struggling around the world.
In recent weeks, as part of ACN’s ambitious mission awareness programme, representatives have been on the road and have spoken in parishes in Co. Down, Co. Antrim and Co. Tyrone. Last year ACN International supported almost 6,000 projects helping some of the most vulnerable communities in the world including in war-torn Ukraine and the Holy Land.
Davide Barbieri (pictured with Father Con Boyle PP and parishioners on his recent visit to the parish of Culfeightrin, Co Antrim), diocesan outreach officer with Aid to the Church in Need Ireland, said he was “delighted” with the reception. “Priests and parishioners are so supportive and have great solidarity with Christians who are suffering in challenging parts of the world. It is a great source of comfort and consolation to the people we work with across the globe to know that the people of Ireland support them, and pray for them,” he said.
The Irish arm of ACN is one of 23 national offices that make up the Pontifical Foundation which is committed to material and spiritual support for Christians in need, particularly in the developing world.
This month, the charity marks ten years since the ISIS invasion of northern Iraq when the Christian community were forced to flee from their homes. So far, thanks to the support of ACN benefactors, almost half of the Christians have returned, and the charity has supported the reconstruction of many homes as well as churches and schools.
Mr Barbieri said he is heartened by the warm reaction.
If your parish or local prayer group is interested in having a representative from ACN update you on its work, please email davide@acnireland.org