A Much Simple Christmas

December 24th, 2010

Peace and God bless,

I would like to ask apology for my long silence, especially in this season of Christmas. My months, especially this last five months has been so very busy, doing all my ministries in places which are unreachable by rainy season.

Now is rainy season, flood time everywhere. In fact, since yesterday, we are already stranded here in the mission, as they tried to excavate also the bridges for repair. Our Christmas celebrations are hampered, which for me, is quite frustrating!!! What could we do?????

Christmas, as I have written in the past, is very much simple here, no glittering around or Christmas decorations, except my little crib in the church made of a real tree, decorated with flowers and crepe papers, then an old painting of the nativity. Inside the house, i have a little crib, with newspapers balls sprayed in gold and Christmas cards and presents.

All the same, I feel that Christmas is also very much celebrated in the heart. We have some group of reconciliation, baptism and Eucharist for tonight. I cannot go and do the celebration in my zone as we are stranded here. We will do our simple Christmas celebration as meaningful as possible.

I was hearing confessions, and I feel that in many ways, the coming of the Lord is at the same time a preparation in the heart and spirit. I am so thankful to the Lord for this serenity in my heart, the inner peace and joy and my real happiness in the mission. God is really good and I am so grateful for all these inner feelings.

I accompany you in my prayers and assure you of my presence no matter how far I am. Please continue to pray for my mission and for me.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.