The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise believes that people should always keep hope alive in their hearts especially in trying times.
In his Christmas message, Bishop Paul Connell is urging those in the Shannonside Northern Sound region to hold on to hope in the face of adversity.
Bishop Connell says that while we do not know what the future will bring, the message of Christmas and the baby Jesus is one of perseverance and hope.
Speaking to the wider region, the Bishop says that despite dark times and events in Gaza and across the world, there is always a path to hope: