A Christmas Message from Archbishop Charles C. Thompson

(En Espanol)
 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Christmas blessings!

Whatever may be going on in our lives, relationships and the world around us, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, is cause for rejoicing. Salvation is at hand!

We are currently in our second year of the National Eucharistic Revival, looking toward the 10th National Eucharistic Congress to be held in Indianapolis on July 17-21, 2024, for the entire Catholic Church of the United States.

We celebrate and proclaim the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist—His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity—which is made possible by the Incarnation of God becoming one like us in all things but sin through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Born into poverty during a time of great oppression and persecution for those awaiting a promised savior, Jesus dared to embrace the fullness of our humanity in order that we might share in His divinity.

In the Incarnation, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, God is made intimately known to us.

Ever-present to us, especially in Word and Sacrament, divine grace enables us to rise above the oppression and persecution of this world to live as witnesses to faith, hope and charity in God’s power to save, heal, reconcile and redeem humanity.

Making Himself perpetually available to us in the Most Holy Eucharist—marked by His life, passion, death and resurrection, from crib to cross—our Savior continues to nourish and sustain us as missionary disciples continuing to transform the world in His name. Amid the ever-increasing polarization, wars, violence and injustice, the witness of our unity as the Body of Christ is needed as much as ever.

May our celebration of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ be a sharing in the joy of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, amid whatever hardships, challenges and uncertainties that we may be encountering.

May the spirit of Christmas prevail in our minds and hearts as we seek to exude the joy of the Gospel.

Praying that each person and family may experience a profound encounter with the person of Jesus Christ, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson