The following message is from Cláudio Cardinal Hummes, Archbishop Emeritus of São Paulo, and the Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, which oversees the Church’s catechetical efforts. It is a heartfelt Christmas message to all of us catechists. I pass it along to you with wishes for a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with abundant graces. I’ll “see” you back here on the other side of Christmas/New Years Day!
Christmas Message 2008
To all the dear Priests, Deacons and Catechists of the Entire World
I extend my joyous and fraternal wishes for a holy and festive Christmas, and that the year 2009 be enlightened, grace filled a full of accomplishments in the service of Jesus Christ and of our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor or suffering. Christmas does not confine us to a commemoration of an extraordinary event in the past, recalled with gratitude and love, but it is also an event which is actualised in the present day, in our midst.
Jesus Christ comes because he loves us and wants to save us from evil: from every evil, and even from death. He comes to welcome us, to make us experience his love, to transform us into his disciples, true sons of the heavenly Father, to invite us to proclaim in the entire world that God is Love, and that he loves us unconditionally, without measure. Jesus comes! He becomes our companion on the journey of life. Let us be gathered to him. Let us allow him to overcome us and to make his dwelling within us. He will eat with us in an unimaginable communion, in which he will have us experience the mysterious and efficacious depth of his friendship and his salvation. Enlightened and transformed by this encounter with Him we will be able to proclaim him to every man and woman of our time. Behold, such is Christmas!
Cláudio Cardinal Hummes
Archbishop Emeritus of São Paulo
Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy
Thank you Joe for sharing this heartfelt Christmas message with all of us catechists. How wonderful to have you as our link to the world. With just a click, you gather us together for inspiration, guidance and instruction.
May God continue to Bless you in all your endeavors in the sharing of your own unique gifts, your knowledge and your experiences as a catechist.
You are very much appreciated.
Ann, it’s my pleasure! Isn’t it wonderful that we can “gather together” in this way? Thanks for your kind words, wishes, and blessings. May this Christmas season fill you with abundant graces!