Michael Router

As the second day of our Congress takes shape a highlight reel of the wonderful opening Liturgy. Many thanks to all who made this wonderful celebration of who we are possible. @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter @CatholicBishops

An uplifting liturgy this evening for the opening of the Youth, Family and Faith Congress in the Archdiocese of Armagh. Over the weekend delegates representing parishes, schools and ecclesial groups will participate in discernment & implementation. @ArchbishopEamon Bishop @MichaelRouter @ArmaghParish @ArmaghYouth

Tonight we hear the voices of young people. Not as the “future” of the Church but as its present. (Christus Vivit: “Christ is alive and wants you to be alive.”) Prayer Lord, speak through our young people. Give us hearts that truly listen. Come, Holy Spirit. @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter @synodalpathway @Synod_va

Later Today we gather in Armagh for our Diocesan Congress on Youth, Family and Faith. From across our parishes and communities, young people, families, clergy, and delegates come together, each bringing their story, their faith, and their hope for the future of the Church. As we begin, we place Our Congress into God’s hands, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all that we say, do and discern. Prayer Lord, be with us as we begin. Gather us in your love, guide us by your Spirit, and open our hearts to one another. May this Congress be a place of encounter, renewal, and hope. Come, Holy Spirit. @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter @CatholicBishops @synodalpathway @Synod_va

It was an honour to celebrate Mass yesterday in St. Nicholas' Church for the African Catholic Communities of the Archdiocese of Armagh and the Diocese of Meath. It was a special Mothers Day celebration. Congratulations to Yvonne Mefor who was awarded the Mother of the Year!

As we journey through Lent the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference offer a new reflection series titled ‘Baptised and Sent in Lent’. The weekly prayer and reflection resources are designed for use in parishes, schools, ministry teams and faith groups across Ireland, helping all to reflect on our Baptism and the call to mission that flows from it. Bishop Michael spoke with Juileann Moran about this Lenten initiative. Watch Bishop Michael’s interview for Shalom World News.⬇️ youtu.be/9v7Hwbk-RuY @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter @synodalpathway @Synod_va

Listen back as I speak to Colm O Mongain about the updated Confirmation Pledge on RTE's Drivetime Radio Show yesterday evening. rte.ie/radio/radio1/c…

Temperance Sunday – 15th February 2025 This Sunday we pray for all those whose lives and families are affected by addiction, and ask for the grace to build communities of care, honesty and hope. Bishop Michael reminds us that the Church’s response must always begin with compassion and accompaniment, especially for young people. The updated Confirmation Pledge, now includes vaping and smoking alongside alcohol and drugs, is designed to help young people make healthy choices with the support of family, parish and community. Today we remember all who struggle with addiction and give thanks for those who walk with them in recovery, asking for the courage to choose life and wellbeing for all. Watch Bishop Michael’s video message below... #TemperanceSunday #PrayerAndHope #SupportRecovery #YouthFaithFamily @MichaelRouter @ArchbishopEamon

4th World Day of the Sick – Message from Bishop Michael Router On the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we mark the 34th World Day of the Sick and reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s call to live with the compassion of the Good Samaritan. In a world often marked by haste and indifference, the Gospel invites us to pause, to notice, and to draw close to those who suffer. Care for the sick, the elderly and the vulnerable is not optional for Christians; it lies at the very heart of discipleship. In this video message, Bishop Michael thanks all who serve with compassion in healthcare, pastoral ministry and family life, and invites each of us to help build communities where no one is left abandoned on the roadside. @MichaelRouter @ArchbishopEamon @Pontifex @VaticanNews

Many will know Janet Forbes from the diocesan youth and pastoral team and from the preparations for our Congress on Youth, Family & Faith. Janet is also a member of the National Synodal Team and she recently spoke with Rebekah Comerford on Maria Radio Ireland about Baptised and Sent in Lent, a programme that supports our Lenten journey for 2026. Listen here: radiomaria.ie/baptised-sent-… Resources Here: synod.ie/baptised-and-s… @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter @synodalpathway @Synod_va @VaticanNews

Important Notice for Diocesan Delegates to Congress on Youth, Family and Faith – Tonight's Meeting in the Carrickdale is Postponed Due to the weather warnings issued by Met Éireann and the Met Office, tonight’s preparatory meeting for delegates ahead of the Congress on Youth, Family and Faith in the Carrickdale Hotel has been postponed in the interests of safety. Please keep an eye on your emails, as we will be in contact in the next few days with a rescheduled date. We apologise for the inconvenience and ask delegates, where possible, to inform anyone you know who was planning to attend. @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter

At Mass beginning the Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Bishop Michael Router reflected on the Archdiocese of Armagh’s Congress on Youth, Family & Faith, taking place from 20–22 March in the Armagh City Hotel. He reminded us that the Congress is the fruit of years of listening, prayer and discernment, and that prayer is essential if it is to bear fruit. Over the next nine weeks, the Archdiocese will pray this Novena for the success of the Congress, asking the Holy Spirit to renew our parishes, families, and young people. Please keep the Congress in your prayers. @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter

Today, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Bishop Michael Router launched Baptised and Sent in Lent in the Archdiocese of Armagh. In his homily he asked a simple but powerful question: Do I say “I was baptised”, or “I am baptised”? Baptism isn’t just something from the past. It shapes who we are now and how we live today. These simple Lenten resources, invite us to pray, reflect and walk together, placing baptism at the centre and reminding us that each of us shares in Christ’s mission of love, service and hope. Learn more: armagharchdiocese.org/bishop-michael… #BaptisedAndSent #Lent #Baptism #Synodality @MichaelRouter @ArchbishopEamon

“I was baptised”… or “I am baptised”? In his homily for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Bishop Michael Router reminded us that baptism is not just something that happened in the past, but a living reality that shapes who we are today. Baptism is not a private ceremony or a memory but the beginning of a mission. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, we are called, like Christ, to “go about doing good.” This renewed understanding is at the heart of the Baptised and Sent in Lent resources, launched today for parishes, schools and groups across Ireland. These simple weekly resources invite reflection, prayer and conversation around themes of belonging, healing, renewal and mission. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we are invited to remember: We are beloved, we are baptised, and we are sent. Resources: armagharchdiocese.org/bishop-michael… @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter @synodalpathway @Synod_va

As the Jubilee Year of Hope closes, Bishop Michael Router reminds us that Christian hope does not end, it cannot end. Christ is “the light that shines in the darkness.” Even amid war and injustice, evil will not have the final word. Echoing Pope Leo XIV, he calls us to live and protect peace, one built on justice, trust and human dignity, not fear or force. Together, our voices can cry “Stop!” Here in Armagh, hope continues as we prepare for the Diocesan Congress on Youth, Family and Faith this March. #JubileeOfHope #Epiphany #ChristianHope #Peace #Justice #Armagh #YouthFamilyFaith

Mass for the Close of the Jubilee Year, Armagh May we continue to be pilgrims of the “Hope that does not disappoint”! youtu.be/mbkIB7FH6QI

The Faith Community in the Archdiocese of Armagh came together this evening in St. Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh to close the Jubilee Year of Hope. Many thanks to all who took part in and attended the Liturgy. The past 12 Months have been a graced time for all of us and we thank all our parishes, pilgrims, schools, families and our young people for making this year so special. May we remember that Christian Hope never ends and may the hope that we have fostered over the past twelve months nourish each of us into the future. @ArchbishopEamon @MichaelRouter @ArmaghParish

New Year Message of Hope and Peace As the Jubilee Year of Hope ends, Bishop Michael reminds us that Christian hope never ends. It is active and life giving. As we enter 2026, may the hope we have prayed for over the last year become real through justice, peace, and care for creation, placing young people and families at the heart of our future. #NewYearMessage #ContinueHope #Epiphany #PrinceOfPeace #HopeInAction #FaithInOurWorld @MichaelRouter @CatholicBishops @ArchbishopEamon

In his Christmas homily, Bishop Michael Router reflects on The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde, a story about the kind of generosity that gives everything away so others may live. Like Christ born in poverty, the young prince Prince chooses compassion over wealth. Today as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we remember that Christmas is not just a season, but a way of life, a life. grounded in generosity, compassion, solidarity and service with the least, the lost, the last. #Christmas #FaithInAction #Hope @MichaelRouter @ArchbishopEamon @CatholicBishops

I visited a very busy St. Patrick's Soup Kitchen in Dundalk this morning. The volunteers were distributing food parcels for Christmas. Well done to all on a remarkable effort. Please God it will help ease the pressure on those who are finding life challenging at present.