Merry, Merry Christmas!

Christmas, as a holiday holds such a powerful sway in our culture because of the emotional power of nostalgia. We can’t help but powerfully recall the special memories of childhood. So much of our character and personalities are shaped in the heart of our families. It is no wonder
that popes have called the Holy Family “the school of Nazareth.” Pope Emeritus Benedict said, “The house of Nazareth is a school of prayer where we learn to listen, to meditate, to penetrate the deepest meaning
of the manifestation of the Son of God, drawing our example from Mary, Joseph and Jesus.”

I remember once watching a young mother spend 5 minutes trying to teach her very young child how to genuflect and cross himself before going into a pew. She was so patient, and calm as the boy flopped around! It would have been so much easier for her to give up and sit in the pew, but I am confident that the lesson taught at such an early age will take deep root. That moment was a glimpse into how you are making your homes schools of prayer.

May the Virgin Mary and St Joseph help us to live the Mystery of Christmas with renewed gratitude to the Lord. In the midst of the frenetic activity of our day, may this Season give us some calm and joy and enable us to feel tangibly the goodness of our God, who became a Child to save us and to give new encouragement and light on our journey. This is my wish for a Blessed and Merry Christmas. To each and every member of our parish family, to your relatives and to your friends, in particular to the sick and the suffering, as well as those who have no one to celebrate this feast with.

Be assured of my prayers for you and my prayers of thanksgiving for the work that the Lord is doing in our lives.

And don’t forget to sing Happy Birthday to the Lord of the universe!

pax,

Fr. John Mosimann