Wednesday, December 25, 2024
"Wishing You A Joyous And Blessed Christmas"
On this joyous day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s greatest gift to the world. Born in the simplicity of a manger, Christ came to bring light to all people, especially those most in need.
“To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11). Those words spoken by the angel in the heavens above Bethlehem are also spoken to us. We are full of hope and trust as we realize that the Lord has been born for us; that the eternal Word of the Father, the infinite God, has made his home among us.
The message of Bethlehem is indeed “good news of great joy” (Lk 2:10). For today, all of us, with all our shortcomings, embrace the sure promise of an unprecedented gift: the hope of being born for heaven. He, the Only-Begotten Son of the Father, gives us “power to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). This is the joy that consoles hearts, renews hope and bestows peace. It is the joy of the Holy Spirit: the joy born of being God’s beloved sons and daughters.
Thanks to your generosity, priests, religious, and lay workers in the missions continue to be bearers of that light. Together, we share hope and the joy of our Catholic faith in places where Christ and His Gospel are most needed. You are a cherished partner in this sacred mission.
This Christmas, may the Christ Child fill your heart, home, and loved ones with joy and peace.
Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your unwavering commitment to the missions. May God bless you abundantly today and always.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, |
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Father Anthony D. Andreassi C.O. |
From The Holy Father, Pope Francis
 "Baby Jesus, you are God, the God who becomes a child”. Let us be amazed by this scandalous truth. The One who embraces the universe needs to be held in another’s arms. The One who created the sun needs to be warmed. Tenderness incarnate needs to be coddled. Infinite love has a miniscule heart that beats softly. The eternal Word is an “infant”, a speechless child. The Bread of life needs to be nourished. The Creator of the world has no home. Today, all is turned upside down: God comes into the world in littleness. His grandeur appears in littleness." |
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
I'm no lawyer, but the terrorism charge seems wrong to me. And it's not just me. Several commentators have questioned it, including opining that Bragg did it for the headlines.
Whatever the reason for the charges, Bragg has not made himself popular. Moreover, he has very possibly set himself up for jury nullification or acquittal for some other reason. While most people do not condone murder, it seems unlikely to me that most people would consider this murder an act of terrorism. Don't be surprised if Mangione walks as a direct result of Bragg's overreach.
The defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, is the best in the business, though she is better known as a prosicuter than a defense lawyer. I have every confidence that she will protect her client's interests. A murderer he may be; a terrorist, he is not.
From His Holiness, Pope Francis - December 24, 2024
"So, on Christmas Eve, let us ask ourselves: “Do I desire to allow myself to be enveloped by the shadow of the Holy Spirit, by the gentleness and meekness of God, by the kindness of God, making room for him in my heart, drawing near to his forgiveness, to the Eucharist?” And then: for which lonely and needy people could I be a shadow that restores, a friendship that comforts?
May Mary help us to be open and welcoming to the presence of God, who with meekness comes to save us."
- Pope Francis