
During Advent, we reflect on the year that is ending. 2010 has been a marvellous year for us all, especially with the Papal Visit to Britain in September. A particular highlight for us was when 80,000 or 90,000 people in Hyde Park were together in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. No one who was present will ever forget the utter silence in the middle of London.
The Pope’s visit has made clear that faith in God is important to people and that the Catholic faith has vitality in it.
Advent gives us another opportunity to be silent again, to pause and reflect while we prepare for the Lord. Let us stop and recover the true meaning of Christmas, and remember the birth of Jesus in that lowly manger. This is the moment in which everything changed. This is the origin of our hope, when God shared in our human condition so that we might come to share in God’s own divine life. This is the wondrous exchange, this transformation of our existence, this revelation of truth, of meaning, of enduring hope which gives rise to true joy as our hearts sing in thanksgiving and praise.
We must also not forget that Christmas is a time of charity. Many people in the diocese, schools, parishes and other organisations continue to work hard to help others, here in the UK and abroad.
I hope this work and the words of the Pope, during his visit to the UK, give us the strength and conviction to enter 2011 in good heart and renewed in our faith so as to carry on this good work for the common good.
I pray that you will all have a joyous, peaceful Christmas as we welcome our Lord.
May I wish you all a blessed and happy Christmas and New Year.
Archbishop Vincent Nichols
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