My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As I write this Advent/Christmas greeting, the words of St. John the Baptist echoes in my ears. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”
Having just completed the great Jubilee Year of Mercy, what greater preparation for Advent could we ask? Over the past year Pope Francis has constantly called us to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
In these last days of our Advent Season let us continue to do these good works that we might truly “prepare” and make “straight” the way of the Lord. In the words of several of the Advent Prayers after Communion, “Lord, teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and hold firm to the things of heaven.”
I pray you and your families may rejoice in the HOPE, JOY, and PEACE of that first Christmas as never before. May the BLESSINGS of the newborn Prince of Peace be with you now and throughout the New Year.
God’s Blessing to all.
Most Reverend James P. Powers
Bishop of the Diocese of Superior
