THE CATHOLIC primate Cardinal Seán Brady has said that reckless choices and bad judgment had brought the world economy to a dangerous and uncertain state.
“It will take a shared effort by all to put us back on track for a more responsible approach and a more sustainable growth in wealth and wellbeing,” he said.
Speaking at a confirmation ceremony in the Holy Redeemer Parish, Dundalk, Co Louth, he called on the Irish people to remember that in a time of recession people in poorer countries still needed help, even more so.
Formally launching Trócaire’s 2009 Lenten campaign, which focuses on those forced to flee their homes because of violence and war, he said “the child on this year’s Trócaire box is seven-year old Khalid Salat from Somalia.”
He continued: “A great human tragedy has unfolded there, possibly the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. He and his family were forced to abandon their home because of terrible violence. Of the 26 million people across the world who have been driven out of their homes in recent years, some 14 million are children.’’
He called “on every person in Ireland who is in a position to do so to help those facing extreme suffering and deprivation this Lent by supporting Trócaire. Let no-one say that the Irish people have become so concerned with their own troubles that they have lost their generous concern for those in need. The Trócaire box is not just a great Irish tradition for Lent, it is vital gateway to hope for so many in need across the world every day.’’