Archbishop Cushley has thanked priests and parishioners in his Christmas Day message for 2020.

He reminded viewers us to have hope amidst a difficult year and to place their trust in Jesus Christ, while reflecting on lessons learnt in 2020.

He said: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to the clergy and to all of you that have helped them open our churches in a way that is safe and responsible.

"As we celebrate Christmas we remember Jesus was born in constrained and difficult times harder than our own. We should remember that no matter what happens today or in the future Jesus Christ is the son of God." Full transcript below.

Christmas Day Message

My dear friends, what a year this has been. We have learnt some sobering lessons and 2020 has been made sadder by the departure of many people who would be here if it weren’t for the pandemic.

Nonetheless, we have also learnt many lessons about how important we are to each other and how precious is the time that we spend together.

We’ve also learned the value of helping each other and reaching out to those less fortunate than ourselves especially the poor, the elderly, the lonely, the sick, the dying, and those who are now facing unemployment in the present circumstances.

We have also a little more hope in our hearts now that a vaccine is being distributed and I'm sure that you will join me in congratulating those who have prepared it in such a short space of time.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the clergy and to all of you that have helped them open our churches in a way that is safe and responsible.

As we celebrate Christmas we remember Jesus was born in constrained and difficult times harder than our own. We should remember that no matter what happens today or in the future Jesus Christ is the son of God. He is the same yesterday and today and forever.He is our joy and our hope and our salvation.

As we look forward to 2021 we do so with gratitude for the blessings that we have received during 2020. and there are many in spite of and sometimes because of the circumstances in which we have found ourselves.

And we hope to learn some lessons about how important we are to each other and how we matter to each other and how we ought to look out for each other better. And we hope to learn how to appreciate and to treasure the liberties that we have taken for granted and the opportunities that we still have to gather with each other and two worship God, especially at Mass and in the sacraments.

I hope that you will have a happy and holy Christmas with you and yours and I pray that all of us will be able to have a very good new year. 

God bless you.