A New Year of Faith, Hope and Love
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the Lord as we commence another year. Many people are hoping for a smooth 2022 compared to 2020 and 2021. With the Christmas Season not far behind us, I have not lost sight of the Star of Hope – the symbol and sign of Emmanuel, God-with-us.
There have been a few disruptions to our ecclesial and social communities already this year. Despite the challenges that continue to emerge during this pandemic, I would like to encourage you to remain strong in your faith and to be vigilant in your love and care for others. We are people of hope, but we are also people of faith and love (cf 1 Corinthians 13:4-13).
Faith, hope, and love are virtues which prompt us to behave in an honourably good manner. They are often spotted in the smallest acts of tenderness and kindness made towards others; by putting the weak, the sick, or the vulnerable before ourselves. They are also visible when one defends the rights of others, especially when another person may be compromised or injured. For the Christian disciple, faith, hope, and love are also seen when our duties or obligations are met with cheerfulness, honesty, integrity, and compassion.
I am aware that many of our parishes are now dealing with COVID sickness and quarantine, a reality which will remain with us for some time, it would appear. Practically, I encourage you to continue to be in contact with my Vicar General, Fr David Ranson and my Chancellor, Kelly Paget as case alerts are received and as some of our clergy find themselves testing positive. Please join me so that together we might remain steadfast in our pastoral outreach, to sustain our communities of faith, continuing to be Christ-centred people in all that we think, and say, and do.
Let us offer prayers of gratitude for our frontline workers, that our gracious God may uphold them, give them strength, and keep them safe.
I continue to entrust you, your families, and your loved ones to the intercession of Mary, Star of the Sea, asking her to intercede for us all to her son, Jesus Christ Our Lord.
With my prayers and blessing
+Anthony