10.11.2025
Remembrance Sunday in Monkstown Parish
Archbishop Michael Jackson joined parishioners of Monkstown yesterday (Sunday November 9) in remembering all who gave their lives for our freedom. The parish Service of Remembrance featured a moving act of remembrance in which John Hewitson MBE, a veteran of the Second World War who turned 100 in September, laid a wreath.
In his sermon the Archbishop reflected on the importance of the month of November in enabling people to remember those who are no longer with them, naming them in their hearts and opening in community.
As the month progresses, those who were lost in World Wars One and Two and those who have lost their lives while on peacekeeping duties are honoured on Remembrance Sunday.
“At this point in evolving history, we are remembering human beings who have served in many different ways, some out of principle, some out of idealism, some out of family tradition, some out of economic necessity; it is their humanity and their commitment that we honour and remember. And wherever I go in these dioceses, there are memorials in our churches to those who served and died and never returned. Remembrance Sunday is our day for them and for all their families and succeeding generations. Honouring is our calling. Today is their day,” Archbishop Jackson said.
As every year passes it is more important than ever to remember the commitment, self–sacrifice and the bravery of those who served, he stated. The Archbishop added that they served others and God “in ways for which we who enjoy freedom today remain eternally grateful. In silence let us remember those who did just this and those who went from Monkstown and its surrounding areas along with other parts of the inhabited world and were never able to return. They fought for freedom. We enjoy that freedom.”
He also urged the congregation to remember all who serve today in situations of danger and harm in theatres of war in the service of justice and peace, humanity and service, food and water, emergency and healthcare.
You can read the Archbishop’s sermon in full here.