Below is the Christmas message from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
A Saviour has been born for us; a Son has been given to us.
Christ, who in his birth and in becoming human has allowed us to share in the glory of his immortal nature. He has freed us from death, and the power of sin and darkness. This promise of salvation is ours and thus we rejoice in the knowledge that God is with us.
In our world overshadowed by war, injustice, oppression, division and selfish concerns the Good News proclaimed by Christ continues to offer us a message of salvation and hope. His words speak to us today, they reassure us, and fill us with hope:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
I am the way, and the truth and the life.
I am the good shepherd.
I am the bread of life.
On 29 December 2024 the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year of Hope will take place in the cathedrals across Canada. In announcing the Jubilee year Pope Francis wrote: “The Holy Spirit illumines all believers with the light of hope. He keeps that light burning, like an ever-burning lamp, to sustain and invigorate our lives. Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love.”
May the light of hope illuminated by the Holy Spirit burn within our hearts this Christmas. May the light of God’s love shine through us, and may our witness of faith be an invitation for others to believe in the gift of salvation that Christ offers to all, and most especially in this upcoming Jubilee year.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year 2025!
The Most Rev. William McGrattan
Bishop of Calgary
President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
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