Director’s Foreword

As we enter this sacred season of Advent and Christmas, our hearts turn once more to the message of hope that lies at the very centre of our faith and our mission as Edmund Rice people. Amid the joy and celebration of this time, we pause to reflect on the light of Christ — a light that continues to guide our journey as a community of faith, learning, and service.

This year, as we celebrate the Year of the Pilgrimage of Hope, we are reminded that hope is not merely an emotion but a call — a call to see beyond ourselves, to bring compassion where there is need, and to live out the Gospel with courage and joy. Pope Francis reminded us that “the Christian cannot be satisfied with having hope; he or she must also radiate hope, be a sower of hope.” In every classroom, outreach, and encounter, the Edmund Rice Network answers that call — sowing seeds of hope that take root in kindness, justice, and faith. But we do not go alone but together and that is why, despite the difficulties we see in so many places, the future will be one of hope because we are together, present, compassionate and people of liberation. Pope Francis spoke of the “Pilgrims of Hope’ reminding us that ‘journeying together means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God, walking side by side, without shoving or stepping on others, without letting anyone be left behind or excluded.’

Throughout this edition of Presence, you will find stories from across our schools and the wider network that shine with this same light — stories of generosity, service, learning, and care for one another. They remind us that, as Pope Francis has said, “hope gives us deep-rooted confidence in the love and care of God, no matter what has happened… it has strong roots, which no storm of life can uproot.”

Hope has always been at the heart of our Edmund Rice tradition. Like Blessed Edmund himself, we are called to see Christ present in every person, especially the poor and the vulnerable, and to respond with faith and courage. Pope Leo XIV speaks to this living faith when he says, “Amid life’s trials, our hope is inspired by the firm and reassuring certainty of God’s love, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” These words echo the truth — that hope, grounded in love, is both our gift and our mission. As Pope Leo has said “Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other, let us go forward. The door of God’s heart is always open. Let us become pilgrims of hope, courageously walking together towards peace, justice and mercy”.

As we gather in gratitude with our families, friends, and communities, may this Christmas renew in us the courage to be bearers of hope. May the peace of Christ dwell in our hearts and guide all that we do, so that together, we continue to bring His light to our world in the year ahead.

Roisin Maguire