Christmas Letter from Bishop Loverde

By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Bishop of Arlington
(From the issue of 12/25/03)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus,

On that first Christmas, a song of peace filled the skies over Bethlehem. As we relive that first Christmas through the sacred liturgy and in festive celebrations, I pray that each of you may likewise be filled with the gift of peace which the Infant Saviour desires to give to us on His birthday.

How we long for peace — peace in our troubled world, peace within our Church and our country, peace in our families and peace within our hearts! As we kneel before the Infant Jesus wrapped in waddling clothes and lying in a manger, let us ask Our Blessed Mother’s help as we echo the prayer of our Holy Father:

"Mother of mercy and of hope, obtain for the men and women of the third millennium the precious gift of peace; peace in hearts and families, in communities and among peoples; peace above all for those Nations where people fight and die every day. Obtain that every human being of every race and culture may encounter and accept Jesus, who came down to earth in the mystery of Christmas to give "his" peace to us.

"O Mary, Queen of Peace, give us Christ, the world’s true peace!" (Dec. 8, 2003).

Yes, as we seek from the Infant Saviour that peace which He alone can give, we recommit ourselves to be the instruments of His peace every day. In so doing, we become Christ’s peace-makers and bring new hope to our family, parish and community.

May the Prince of Peace fill you with joy this Christmas and make you heralds of His Gospel of Peace throughout the New Year. Such is my prayer for each of you in the Holy Masses I shall offer on Christmas!

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde

Bishop of Arlington

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