A Belfast church is responding to Pope Francis’ call to show mercy to those in need in our communities. St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast, in the Diocese of Down and Connor, is set to host a Mass of Hope for Belfast’s homeless community and to open a new soup kitchen. The soup kitchen will provide a safety-net and vital lifeline to those experiencing poverty and homelessness.
The initiative is in response to Pope Francis’ call to reach out to those in need with concrete acts of mercy. Already, the parish has received pledges of support from community workers and volunteers. Local people are keen to make a difference and show their solidarity with those who have fallen on hard times.
The Mass, which will take place on Wednesday 26 April at 7.00pm, will be a joyful celebration with music and song by Belfast City Gospel Choir. It will provide the city’s homeless with an opportunity to gather and give their testimony in an atmosphere of faith and friendship. Everyone is welcome.
St Patrick’s, founded in 1815, is one of Belfast’s oldest and most historic city-centre churches. It is a major contributor to the cultural and civic life of Belfast and it is home to a world-famous painting by Sir John Lavery. St Patrick’s played host to an historic royal visit by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in 2015.
St Patrick’s hosted the Door of Mercy for the Diocese of Down and Connor as part of Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy from 2015 – 2016.
