Christmas 2011 Message

May His Light shine

 Christ the Light of the world is born today

Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader and all the members of the Irish Province thank you for your interest, prayers and support. As part of our missionary family you are playing a part in making the Light of Christ present in Africa.
We pray that Christ's light may also shine within you to give you strength for your daily journey.
May your family and friends bring His light into your life when you experience darkness.

Be assured that all our families, supporters and benefactors are remembered in the prayers and Masses of our priests, particularly at this special time.

Christmas & New Year Reflection

Christmas is celebrated very close to the darkest day of the year (for those who live in the northern hemisphere). Some scholars hold that 25 December was chosen by the Western Church to 'christianise' an already existing pagan feast in honour of the Unconquered Sun. But for the Christians, the truly unconquered one was not the Sun but the Son of God, born in Bethlehem.

As the sun enlightens our earthly darkness, so the Son of God brings His light into our spiritual darkness. Christ the Light banishes darkness forever.

People are suffering in the darkness of abuse, bereavement, emigration, financial problems, health problems, unemployment.

The message of Christmas is that there is Light. Christ the Light banishes darkness forever.

Darkness does not prevail.

And today? Just as the shepherds brought their lanterns to the stable at Bethlehem, so too each of us is invited to bring our light into the world. We are a people of Hope, not giving in to hopelessness or despair.

Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

A Christmas and New Year Prayer

Lord God,