Wednesday 10th February is Ash Wednesday and it is the beginning of the season of Lent.
For over forty years now, Ash Wednesday has also marked the beginning of the annual Trócaire box appeal.
Speaking ahead of the launch of this year’s campaign – Diocesan Representative to Trócaire Fr. John Carroll spoke of the tremendous support that Trócaire has received down through these years both nationally and locally.
“Last year’s Lenten appeal raised €8.3 million” he said “and this constituted a 4% increase on the campaign of the previous year.”
“To the people of the Diocese who contributed to this appeal, I wish to say a word of tremendous gratitude,” he added, pointing out that this “remarkable generosity has allowed us to assist 2.4 million people directly, including 45,000 families who have been afforded access to land and clean water in the past twelve months.”
“I would like to thank you for all what you have done in the past and all that you make possible by your yearly contributions”, he concluded.
Trócaire boxes are currently available in all churches across the Diocese of Ferns.
The boxes are traditionally returned on Good Friday for onward direct transfer to Trócaire at Maynooth.
Ends
John Carroll (Rev.) Diocesan Secretary Bishop’s House Summerhill Wexford.