Address of Bishop Fintan Monahan for the 71st and final Gathering of the Apostolic Work Society Annual Display, Saturday, June 13th, 2026
A chåirde in Íosa Chríost,
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Today is a day marked by mixed emotions. We gather with hearts that are both grateful and saddened as we celebrate the Annual Apostolic Work Display and, at the same time, mark the conclusion of the diocesan Apostolic Work Society after seventy one years of faithful service.
Long and Honourable History
Over seventy years is an extraordinary chapter in the life of our diocese. For generations, dedicated men and women have given countless hours, often quietly and without recognition, in support of the Church’s mission throughout the developing world. Through your generosity, your craftsmanship, your fundraising, your prayers, and your unwavering commitment, you have helped bring hope, dignity, and practical assistance to missionaries serving some of the most vulnerable communities on earth.
Harvesting Memories
As we look around today, we cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Memories come flooding back: annual diocesan gatherings here, parish gatherings, exhibitions, sewing circles, meetings, friendships forged in service, and the shared conviction that even from our own corner of the world, we could make a difference in the lives of others. Many who began this work are no longer with us, but their legacy remains woven into the fabric of this Society and into the lives of countless people whom they never met but deeply loved.
Nostalgia in saying Farewell
There is sadness in saying farewell to the diocesan structure that has served so faithfully for over seven decades. Endings are never easy, especially when they involve something that has contributed so much to the life of the Church.
Celebration of Mission Accomplished
Yet today should not be seen as a closing of a book with regret, but rather as the completion of a remarkable chapter that has been written with faith, generosity, and love. One could also look at this departure moment as a marking of mission accomplished. A mission that of course will continue in the Church, but a mission that is always seeking new forms of expression and new life.
Gospel in Action
The Apostolic Work Society has embodied the Gospel in action. Through your efforts, missionaries received resources that enabled them to proclaim Christ, educate children, care for the sick, support families, and build communities. You became partners in mission, sharing in the Church’s universal call to bring God’s love to every nation and people.
Gratitude
On behalf of the priests, religious, and people of the diocese, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt thanks. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for your perseverance through changing times. Thank you for the countless hidden acts of service known fully only to God.
I also wish to acknowledge the parish groups and individual members who have sustained this work year after year. The fruits of your labour cannot be measured simply in numbers or projects completed. They are found in lives transformed, faith strengthened, and communities uplifted across the world.
Blessings and Prayers for all involved
As the diocesan group concludes its mission, we entrust all that has been accomplished to the Lord. We pray that He will bless richly every member, past and present, and reward your generosity a hundredfold. We remember with gratitude those who have gone before us, and we commend them to God’s eternal care.
Ongoing Mission
May we also continue to hold in our prayers the missionaries and communities whom the Apostolic Work Society has supported for so many years. Though structures may change, the call to mission remains. The spirit of compassion, solidarity, and service that has animated this Society for seventy one years will, we trust, continue to inspire future generations.
Thanksgiving for a magnificent Legacy
Today we do not simply say goodbye. Rather, we give thanks. We celebrate a remarkable legacy. We honour a history of faithful service. And we rejoice in the knowledge that the seeds planted through your work will continue to bear fruit in places near and far for years to come.
Blessings and Good Wishes
May God bless each one of you and your families. May He bless all who have contributed to this noble work over the past seventy years. And may Our Lady, Queen of the Missions, on this feast of Her Immaculate Heart continue to watch over and guide all who labour in the service of the Gospel.
Thank you, and may God reward you abundantly. Amen.