Sir, – The return of our Christmas rituals and traditions in our schools post-pandemic is wonderful and welcome. Our students and staff are able to gather again in festivities and fun and reflect on the story and spirit of Christmas.
Central to the celebrations and the carols is fundraising, where school communities and their families give generously to many worthy causes.
Giving becomes a meaning-making activity in the hustle and bustle of it all while trying to make a difference.
The Christmas story for Christians all over the world is one of faith, love, peace and joy. Yet the story also relates experiences of hardship with themes like foreign occupation and strife, a long and arduous journey, seeking shelter, poverty and exile from home.
Sadly, these experiences resonate painfully with many people living in our own country today who have sought shelter here.
Unfortunately, they join with many others who are without a home. Homelessness and poverty are a devastating and emergent reality that simply should not be. Perhaps it is not just the inaction of others but our own complacency which has been complicit in this. Over 3,500 children currently homeless in our country. Where is the outrage?
Maybe we need Christmas, and a time to reflect, more than we think. – Yours, etc,
JOHN McHUGH,
Principal,
Ardscoil Rís,
Dublin 9.