Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for Us!
In the month of December, we receive many invitations to various events and celebrations. I also write to you extending invitations, ones which provide you with opportunities to experience abundant spiritual blessings, to witness on behalf of human life, and to reflect your love for our Blessed Mother.
In Jesus Christ alone do we find genuine peace. We celebrate this precious gift especially in the sacred seasons of Advent and Christmas. I invite you to experience the Lord’s peace in the beautiful Sacrament of Penance. Give to the Lord all of your sins, for they keep us from being at peace with God, ourselves and one another. Experience the infinite mercy of God, who forgives you and offers new life. What a beautiful way to prepare our hearts for the celebration of His birth!
I also invite you to be reconciled with any family member or friend with whom you are no longer in harmony. Mindful of the Lord’s generosity in forgiving us, take the initiative to offer forgiveness to anyone who has offended you. In experiencing the Lord’s forgiveness in our lives and sharing that with others, we come to know His peace in a powerful way.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, Son of God, Son of Mary, we renew our profound reverence for the gift of life. Sadly, our world fails to recognize the sacredness of all human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Thus, our public witness is essential. I invite you to make plans to participate in the Rally for Life in Raleigh on January 12 and in the March for Life in Washington on January 22. On the morning of January 22, Bishop Jugis and I will offer Mass in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for all the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte and the Diocese of Raleigh. It is my hope that there will be tremendous representation from our Diocese as we thank God for the gift of life and pray for the unborn and all those who cannot protect themselves.
In this month of December in which we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas, we renew our love for the Blessed Mother and pray for the grace to imitate her profound trust in God and total submission to His will. Our Diocese is under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. Thus, how appropriate it is for us to make a Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on April 12, 2008 (details enclosed within the magazine). I invite you to participate in this spiritual journey, which will be filled with abundant graces and blessings. Perhaps this also could be a Christmas gift you give to someone you love!
It is my hope that you seriously consider these invitations and avoid sending “regrets”! It is also my fervent prayer that throughout the Season of Advent and especially on Christmas Day and throughout the Christmas season, you come to celebrate anew the genuine and abiding peace of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Mary. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us now and always!
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge