Carissimi
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I extend my heartfelt blessings to each of you, the cherished flock of our apostolates. The turning of the year is a time of reflection and renewal, an opportunity given by God to reassess our spiritual journey and reaffirm our commitment to Him.
In the pursuit of holiness, let us remember that our faith is not just a practice for the Sabbath but a way of life. This new year, I exhort each of you to deepen your personal piety and steadfastness to orthodox doctrine and praxis. Our faith, rooted in the timeless teachings of the Church, must be the guiding star in every aspect of our lives – not only within the walls of our churches but also in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, and most importantly, within our families. It is within the domestic church, the family, where our faith often finds its richest expression and most profound test.
The new year custom of making resolutions offers us a valuable tradition for our spiritual lives. I encourage each of you to resolve to be more faithful, more dutiful, and more pious. Let this resolution not be a mere fleeting intention, but a firm commitment to spiritual growth and a more profound love for God and neighbor.
To be faithful is to adhere unwaveringly to the teachings of our Lord and His Church, to participate regularly and reverently in the Sacraments, and to immerse oneself in the life of prayer and the study of Sacred Scripture.
To be dutiful is to recognize our responsibilities – to our families, our communities, and our Church – and to fulfill them with love, zeal, and a sense of service, remembering always that in serving others, we serve Christ Himself.
To be pious is to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, nurturing a spirit of humility, gratitude, and charity in all our actions and interactions.
As we step into this new year, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication. Let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). May our lives be a testament to our faith, drawing others closer to the truth and love of Christ.
May the Lord bless you and keep you throughout this new year. May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
I.X.
Brichtelmestunensis
S. Silvestri Papæ et Conf. MMXXIII A.D.
Oremus
Suscipe, Domine, universam meam libertatem, Accipe memoriam, intellectum atque voluntatem omnem. Quidquid habeo vel possideo mihi largitus es; id tibi totum restituo, ac tuae prorsus voluntati trado gubernandum. Amorem tui solum cum gratia tua mihi dones, et dives sum satis, nec aliud quidquam ultra posco. Amen
Receive, O Lord, all my liberty. Take my memory, understanding, and entire will. Whatever I have or possess Thou hast bestowed upon me; I give it all back to Thee and surrender it wholly to be governed by Thy Will. Give me love for Thee alone along with Thy grace, and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more. Amen.
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