Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in his annual Christmas message, reflects on the birth of Jesus as the coming of the dawn after a time of darkness: “The dawn of light and of day is, indeed, an excellent metaphor for the coming of Jesus Christ into our world . . . A waiting world looked for the coming of the Messiah the same way it waits for the coming of the dawn and the daylight it brings.”
Look for the Bishop’s full message in the new issue of The Monitor Magazine, now available in digital format.
Also, in a special message to children delivered in the 1990s, Pope John Paul II said that Christmas is not only the feast day of the Christ child; it is the feast day of all children. But as we find ourselves preparing our hearts and homes for Christmas, we are faced with the harsh reality that far too many children around the world and here at home are at risk from conflict and violence; exploitation; isolation and mental health crises, and a host of threats to their safety and well-being. The new issue of The Monitor Magazine takes a close look at the plight of today’s children in our IN FOCUS report: God Bless the Child.
Here are just a few highlights to look for in this year’s Christmas issue:
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS: Inspiration on how to celebrate a Catholic Christmas; reflection on what the creche symbolizes; thoughts on helping others this Christmas
DIOCESAN NEWS: Funeral coverage of Father Radomski and Deacon Bill Wilson; Giving Tuesday supports schools; Conference on embracing an intercultural Church; who is helped by local CCHD funds
CHURCH: Bishop’s Mass at Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia; Catholic Sacred Music Project, a resource for parish musicians; recap of U.S. Bishops’ fall meeting
PEOPLE, PARISH NEWS: Local youth attend national conference; celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe; 8th grader works to help kids in hospitals; Father Michael Gentile installed in first pastorate; Epiphany Parish marks 50th anniversary; Forty Hours serves as teaching tool on Eucharist; St. Peter School centennial
ALL SUBSCRIBERS CAN NOW ACCESS THE DECEMBER E-EDITION BY CLICKING HERE.
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We extend our deepest wishes that our readers fully experience the grace and beauty of Advent and Christmas, focusing on the coming of the Christ Child, bringing the light that dispels the darkness and reminding us all to work on behalf of all children.
May God bless you and yours!
Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher
And the entire Monitor team