As we celebrate the birth of our savior, along with our Sister Parish of St. Genevieve, in Haiti, we share Pastor Gaby Noels’ Christmas message to us. His is a moving message of hope, gratitude and good wishes for us, despite the continuing grim situation in Haiti.
We continue our Christmas Giving Tree appeal for support for the parish school, particularly for workbooks and tuition assistance through January 15. Donations can be made online or with a check to SPSA, with a notation “Sister Parish.” Mesi – Thank you.
To our dear sister parish St. Patrick St Anthony:
As Saint Paul says, “We do not place our hope in Christ for this life only; If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all. Instead, we put our hope in Christ for a new life, that of the risen Christ where we will be with him in glory”. Our hope is based first of all on what Jesus tells us: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me, although dead, shall live”.
Then on the vision of glory of the book of the Apocalypse of Saint John (7,2-4.9-14), which the church offers in the solemnity of all the Saints to invite us to live in the hope of renewal beyond death. We experience life as it is today in Haiti because the world does not know us, because the world does not know God. We accept to “suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with him” (Rom 8, 14-17)
Thus, in this approaching Christmas season, we ask you to pray for us and for all the Haitian people at each mass and to ask God to enhance our faith in his Son who was risen from the dead, and to bring us safety, comfort and peace.
For you, we are very grateful for your continued solidarity, especially for providing for our needs through difficult times. Teachers, students, parents, staff members as well as the elderly who seek our help never cease to thank you. On their behalf as Pastor of this parish community, I thank you wholeheartedly and we all pray that God should bless you, take you under his protection, and keep you safe from all harm.
May you continue to live in prosperity! May God complete in you the works that he started! May all your good deeds accompany you always and lead you to live in endless happiness in the glory of God! May the approaching Christmas bring you health in body, in soul and spirit. May a fruitful New Year ring happiness!
With sincere love,
Father Gaby Noël, pastor of your sister parish of St. Geneviève des Orangers