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Christmas Eve for Socially Excluded People in Dublin – The Beginning of a New Tradition

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This December, the Barka for Mutual Help Ireland, in cooperation with the Consular and Polish Diaspora Section of the Embassy of Poland in Dublin, organised a Christmas Eve celebration in Dublin for people experiencing homelessness, loneliness, and difficult life circumstances. Around 150 participants gathered for an evening filled with warmth, community, and hope.

For over 30 years, Christmas Eve for those in need has been a cherished tradition of the Polish Barka Foundation, where every year around 350 people come together to share a meal, sing carols, and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. It is a time when those who often face exclusion find companionship, dignity, and belonging.

This year, that beautiful tradition has taken root in Dublin, marking the beginning of what we hope will become a lasting annual celebration for the local Polish and Irish community.

The event, held at the Polish Library Biblary, began with a bilingual welcome and greetings from invited guests, including representatives of CKU Dublin, Forum Polonia, partner organisations, and clergy. Together, participants prayed, shared the Christmas wafer, and sang “Silent Night,” creating an atmosphere of unity and peace.

After the spiritual part, guests enjoyed traditional Polish Christmas Eve dishes — including pierogi, barszcz with dumplings, carp, and various festive salads — served in a warm, family-like setting, with carols playing softly in the background. The evening also included expressions of gratitude to volunteers, short speeches from guests, and the much-awaited arrival of Saint Nicholas.

Thirty children received Christmas gifts, while adults were given festive aid packages prepared by Barka and Polish Embassy, bringing joy and comfort to those most in need. Adding to the festive spirit, students of the Polish School SEN prepared beautiful Christmas centerpieces, while participants of the Polish Leaving Certificate course (PPLI) created handmade Christmas cards with wishes for the event’s guests.

The event concluded with group photos and warm exchanges that, for many, became the most touching moment of the evening.

We are deeply grateful to all volunteers, partners, and supporters whose generosity made this event possible. Thanks to you, the Dublin Christmas Eve of 2025 became not only a night of compassion but also the beginning of a new, meaningful tradition inspired by the long-standing Polish example.

Photo: Remi Winiarski

In Memory of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy (1939–2025)

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It is with deep sadness that we join many across Ireland in mourning the passing of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, known to so many simply as Sr Stan.

Sr Stan passed away peacefully at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, following an illness. She was 86.

A tireless advocate for social justice, Sr Stan dedicated her life to supporting those most in need — people experiencing homelessness, immigrants, and members of disadvantaged communities across Ireland and beyond.

In 1985, she founded Focus Point, today known as Focus Ireland, after witnessing the growing number of women and families without homes in Dublin. Her compassion, vision, and determination shaped one of Ireland’s most respected organisations supporting people affected by homelessness.

In the early 2000s, Sr Stan also established the Immigrant Council of Ireland, working to promote the rights, dignity, and inclusion of migrants and refugees.

Her religious name, Stanislaus, was chosen in honour of St. Stanislaus Kostka, a Polish saint and patron of young people and novices — a fitting symbol of her lifelong dedication to compassion and service.

Throughout her life, Sr Stan remained a powerful voice for compassion, equality, and change. Her work inspired countless others to take action, to serve, and to believe that no one should be left behind.

As the Religious Sisters of Charity wrote, she leaves behind “a legacy of a life dedicated to the service of others in need.”

The entire Barka team wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for Sr Stan’s lifelong commitment to social justice. Her example continues to guide and inspire us in our daily work — supporting those who seek a new beginning and a place of belonging.

May she rest in peace. 🌿