Dear Our Lady of Lourdes family,

“The Light shines into the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:5). Mary gave
virgin birth to the Light of the world. When Mary said “yes” to Gabriel, the Father said, “Let there be
Light!” Christ’s birth reveals not only God’s beauty, but the true beauty of humanity and creation.
Jesus is the “new Adam” who restores the blessed innocence of humanity and creation that was in
the beginning.   

This Christmas and New Year, let us all recommit ourselves to bringing God's beauty, goodness, and truth to our fallen world.Christ invites us to lifestyles and outlooks that care for creation and the poor. Jesus came not only to suffer and die on our behalf and to forgive our sins, but he came to give us the Holy Spirit so that we might become like Him – and become part of His mission.  Christ invites us to restore human dignity and creation! “Behold, I create a
new heaven and a new earth” (Isaiah 65: 17). “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Christmas invites us to embrace the innocence of our Baptism. I invite everyone to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to make a good confession.  Prepare to receive Holy Communion devoutly, in a state of grace. A good Confession restores the innocence of our Baptism. My prayers go with you during this sacred time – and throughout the New Year. 

In Christ and His Mother,

Fr. Frederick Edlefsen
Fr. Joseph Kenna
Fr. Stephen Walker
Fr. Dan Mode