The All-Ireland Catholic Primate has paid tribute to the clergy who played a vital role in securing the first IRA ceasefire 10 years ago today.
The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, praised those involved in nurturing a "culture of peace" and said progress made over the last decade should act as great encouragement.
He reserved special praise for the Protestant clergymen who risked their lives during the earlier years of the Troubles to engage with the Republican movement.
"It is a welcome fact that in the year ahead I will administer Confirmation to children in Northern Ireland who, for the first time in several generations, have grown up free from the daily memory of killings, bombings, funerals and tears," he said.
"More than anything, this much improved situation should make us grateful for the progress of the last 10 years, however imperfect and incomplete. It should spur all of us on to try to achieve even greater progress in the months and in the years ahead."
Dr Brady said although a stable society must be worked at, and should not be taken for granted, there was reason to celebrate the significant anniversary.