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A Christmas Message from Bishop McGrattan

12/24/2019

1 Comment

 
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
The holy days of the Christmas season are upon us. 
 
This year, at the Vigil Mass for the Nativity of Our Lord, we hear the familiar narrative from Matthew’s Gospel of Jesus’ humble birth among us in fulfillment of the scriptural promises.   Joseph, a “righteous man” is faced with a situation he does not fully understand and yet in the simple words of the Gospel, “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”  And in that moment, Joseph becomes a model of trusting in God and following His Will.
 
These inspiring events of Mary and Joseph, annunciations and dreams, angels and shepherds, stars and adoring magi serve to captivate our imaginations and invite us to celebrate the profound simplicity of God’s presence among us as a humble and innocent child. The Son of God is born into the human world and gives flesh to God’s saving power.  These scripture passages announce hopeful messages of “Peace on Earth,” “Good will to all,” and the absolute steadfastness of God’s promise to save His people.  Indeed, such messages of “Good News” are welcomed among the poor, the vulnerable, and all of us who recognize the need for God’s salvific love in our lives.
 
This year Pope Francis, in speaking to the United Nations, offered the following reflection about Christmas:
 
“These are days in which we raise our eyes to heaven and commend to God those people and situations that are closest to our heart.  In this gaze, we acknowledge ourselves to be sons and daughters of one Father, brothers and sisters. We give thanks for all the goodness present in this world, and for all those who freely give of themselves, those who spend their lives in service to others, those who do not give up but keep trying to build a more humane and just society.  We know well that we cannot be saved alone. … May Christmas, in its authentic simplicity, remind us that the most important thing in life is love.”  (Pope Francis, December 20, 2019.)
 
As our communities in Faith look heavenward at Christmas, let us invite the Christ child to be born into our hearts spiritually, to transform our lives, and to strengthen the witness of our faith so that we might grow in humility and confidence as missionaries of charity for our brothers and sisters.   May we proclaim His Birth with great joy and announce the saving love of Jesus Christ in the daily living of our lives. 
 
I offer you the assurance of my prayers as you gather with family and friends to celebrate these holy days of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!
 
Yours in Christ,
​
+ Most Reverend William McGrattan
Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary 

​December 24, 2019
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1 Comment
Eugene Gawor
12/24/2019 01:33:33 pm

Dear Excellency,

Nice to hear from You at this special day, Vigil Day of the Birth of our Saviour, Master and Lord Jesus Christ.

We, as a family are blessed in a very special way, having a chance to participate through TV in the Christmas celebration, tradition of our 1st Homeland, Poland followed by tradition in our 2nd Homeland, Canada.

So we are watching with open heart and tears in our eyes how special Day it is, especially when right now we are also watching Midnight Holy Mass from Vatican with the the Holy Father, Francis participation.
More; in 3 hours we will be gathering with our enlarged family for
the traditional 12 courses supper as per Polish tradition and finally we are blessed that we have and will also participate in the Midnight Christmas Holy Mass at the Holy Spirit church, so close to our home.

Excellency, GOD bless you with abundance of health, physical and spiritual strength, so you will lead us towards Heaven......AMEN.

Zofia + Eugene with enlarged family

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