Lourdes, France, Monday, 22 June 2026: Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has called on people to become "weavers of hope" for the most vulnerable in society, urging support and accompaniment for the unborn, migrants and those nearing the end of life.

Speaking at one of the highlights of the Diocesan year, the Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage Mass to the great Marian shrine of Lourdes on Saturday, Bishop Leahy said that in a world experiencing profound change, Christians are called to follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary by bringing hope, compassion and love to those most in need.

The Mass marked the high point of this year's Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, which brought together approximately 450 pilgrims, supported by 50 volunteers, including a significant contingent of young people whose service reflected the spirit of Lourdes and the example of Our Lady.

A central theme of the Bishop's homily was the need to see the world through the eyes of those who suffer rather than through the perspective of power and influence.

Drawing on this year's Lourdes theme centred on Mary's response to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation, Bishop Leahy said that every Christian is called to echo Mary's "yes" to God through practical acts of service and care for others.

"With the same faith that Mary embodied, we can become 'weavers of hope' for the people around us," Bishop Leahy said.

"There is so much talk today about influencers, but the truth is that each one of us can be an influencer for good. We influence others simply through the hope we weave into our everyday relationships."

The Bishop said Lourdes offers a powerful witness to this spirit through the care, companionship and encouragement shown to pilgrims, particularly those who are sick, elderly or vulnerable.

Reflecting on the challenges facing society in what he described as a "change of era", Bishop Leahy said Christians must consciously choose hope over despair and love over division.

He highlighted Pope Leo's call for people to become builders of a "civilisation of love" and urged a renewed commitment to compassion and human dignity.

"Our world needs an antidote to hostility and venom," he said. "Living the Gospel art of loving is precisely such an antidote."

Quoting Pope Leo, Bishop Leahy said Christians are called to look at life "through the eyes of those who suffer rather than the mighty" and to view history from the perspective of "the widow, the orphan, the stranger, the wounded child, the exile and the fugitive."

He said this Marian way of seeing challenges people to place the vulnerable at the centre of their concern and decision-making.

"In this vision, it is a fundamental truth that every person -- the unborn, migrants, and those nearing death -- is to be recognised as the presence of Jesus, someone to be supported, protected and accompanied," Bishop Leahy said.

"Saying 'yes' to God, like Mary's 'yes' to the angel Gabriel, becomes for us a 'yes' to Jesus in each person we meet."

Bishop Leahy also paid tribute to the volunteers accompanying the diocesan pilgrimage, particularly the young people whose commitment and generosity embodied the values Lourdes seeks to foster.

He said the pilgrimage continues to offer a powerful witness to Mary's example of selfless service, humility and unwavering faith. At Lourdes, pilgrims are reminded that Christian faith is not centred on self-interest but on reaching out to others, especially those in need, while always allowing Christ to remain at the centre of life.

Bishop Leahy concluded by encouraging pilgrims to allow the experience of Lourdes to deepen their commitment to living Mary's example in their daily lives.

"Let our pilgrimage be a time to practise even more Mary's 'yes' in our lives," he said.

ENDS