To mark the upcoming annual Week of Witness – which will highlight the plight of Christians persecuted and discriminated against for their faith – Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Ireland, will be hosting two public events in Dublin and Belfast. All are welcome.
These significant gatherings will involve Archbishop Linus Neli (pictured), the Archbishop of Imphal in India and who leads the Church in Manipur, speaking on the current situation in India where hundreds of Catholics have been killed for their faith, thousands displaced and many churches destroyed.
On Sunday 17 November, Archbishop Neli will speak at Newman’s historic University Church on Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin, at 7.30pm. This will be an opportunity for friends and benefactors of ACN Ireland to hear about the plight of India’s Christians, amidst worries about ongoing violence there. Earlier that day, Archbishop Neli will celebrate 11.00am Mass in the Saint Mary’s Pro-Cathedral on Marlborough Street, Dublin.
Thereafter, on Tuesday 19 November, Archbishop Neli will speak in Belfast, where he will also be the chief celebrate at the 1.00pm Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, in the centre of Belfast.
Saint Mary’s is the oldest Catholic church in Belfast and it’s parish priest, Father Timothy Bartlett, also serves as the outgoing Ecclesiastical Assistant to ACN Ireland. Speaking ahead of Archbishop Neli’s visit to Belfast, Father Bartlett said, “We look forward to welcoming Archbishop Neli to Belfast, a city whose people understand all too well the importance of building a future based on respect for religious freedom, understanding and diversity, as well as the utter futility and failure of sectarian violence. I know the people of Saint Mary’s will want to express to Archbishop Neli their solidarity and concern for their fellow Christians in Northeast India, and in so many other parts of the world, who experience fear, discrimination and persecution as a daily reality”
During his talks, Archbishop Neli is expected to provide insights into the current situation facing his region, and in India as a whole. He will also share practical guidance with ACN friends and benefactors on how best to support the suffering Church.
ACN is Ireland’s leading charity protecting the rights of Christians and supporting the suffering and persecuted Church. Last year, it supported almost 6,000 projects in some 140 countries. For more information on ACN, regarding its work or to offer support, please call +353 (1) 837 7516 and/or email [email protected]. You can also write to ACN Ireland, St Joseph’s, 151 St Mobhi Road. Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 HC82.
ENDS
