Waterford and Carlow keep Bethlehem peace flame alight in Ireland
The Peace Light from Bethlehem, with the Polish Scout community. Photo: Joe Evans
A little international light for peace and hope was kept very local this past Christmas.
That is according to Waterford Scout County, who helped to distribute the Peace Light last month, which usually comes from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
The peace light comes from the West Bank in Palestine but because of the ongoing conflict in the region, the light distributed in Ireland came from Waterford and Carlow.
"This little light shines quietly as a beacon of hope and peace in a world of so many conflicts, hurt, pain, distress and challenges.
"This light originally came from the eternal flame, which burns in the Church of the Nativity in the little town of Bethlehem, in the West Bank of the State of Palestine – the place where Mary and Joseph went over 2,000 years ago and where the baby Jesus was born," said Waterford Scout County.
Traditionally, in the early weeks of December, a small ceremony is held in the grotto of the Church in Bethlehem.
A Palestinian Scout and an Israeli Scout take a light from the flame in a gesture of peace and cooperation.
The light is carried to Tel Aviv airport, from where it is then brought to Vienna by an Austrian Scout.
The light travels through Switzerland to France and through the Channel Tunnel to land in Dover.
From Dover, it travels through England to Holyhead in Wales and over the Irish Sea to Dublin.
The light is then distributed by Scouts and Guides to places where people gather to celebrate the spirit of Christmas across the island of Ireland.
But, because of the conflict in the West Bank, 2024 was a little different.
Scouts groups across the world have been using the flame carefully maintained in their home countries.
"Here in Ireland, thankfully, the Poor Clare Sisters in Carlow have cared for the Light they received last year, and a flame from this light travelled to St Patrick’s Church in Drumcondra for the Service of Distribution, which was held on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
"From here it was then taken to various points across the country for distribution.
"Our light comes via Carlow and Waterford, to shine brightly over the Christmas period," said Waterford Scout County.
Waterford Scout County explained why keeping this little light alive throughout the world is so important.
"Remember, from one little flame in Bethlehem, last year and this year, this light has multiplied millions of times across Europe, North and South America, and beyond.
"It will shine as a beacon of Peace, Hope, Love and Resilience in our world in these troubled times," said Waterford Scout County.
