Christmas Message from the Province Leadership Team
“And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold,
Luke 2:10-11
I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people;
for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped
in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Christmas 2024
Dear Sisters, Partners-in-Mission, and Friends,
As we celebrate this Holy Season, we extend our heartfelt Christmas greetings to you!
This year has been marked by many challenges. Globally, unresolved conflicts continue to claim innocent lives. Locally, the onslaught of typhoons has left many homeless. We are also scandalized by unaccounted spending and the power struggles among our government leaders, while the basic needs of the most vulnerable remain unmet and human rights abuses persist. we turn to the child in the manger and find “good news of a great joy.”
Yet, Christmas reminds us of the HOPE Christ brings—PEACE in knowing that God provides for our needs, and JOY in continuing our mission of care and compassion for the marginalized. It is a time to reflect on the selfless LOVE of our Savior, who came into the world to bring hope, light, and salvation.
Looking ahead, the coming year holds a hopeful promise. As we celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Church as Pilgrims of Hope, we would mark the 200th anniversary of the foundation of our contemplatives and the 100th anniversary of the canonization of our spiritual father St. John Eudes. Closer to home, our St Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation that has long served as the mission arm of the Province is on its Silver Year. We are also slowly taking steady steps towards new governance both in the Province and in the region despite the challenges. There is much to be grateful for and hopeful about!
Let us then allow the spirit of Christmas to inspire us as we move forward with childlike trust, conscious to spread love through every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every gesture of compassion, making the world a brighter place for all.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and your loved ones!
Province Leadership Team
