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Christmas 2003 Dear Faithful and True Friend of Our Lady, On behalf of St Michael’s World Apostolate and the Lay Order of St. Michael, we want to wish you all a very joyous and peaceful Christmas season and a happy, holy and prosperous New Year. On December 24, 1970, Veronica of the Cross had a spectacular vision of the First Christmas and one of the lessons conveyed is striking. For instance, the tremendous peace and happiness the Holy Family possessed despite the callous treatment received and the crude and harsh conditions They were living in. Incredibly, Mary and Joseph depended on the breath of a few animals present to provide some warmth for the Divine Infant. Wow! The King of Kings was born in a hole in a mountain! What a beautiful lesson of holy poverty to reflect on during this Christmas season. Although many of you may be poor in material goods, one thing we all share in common as Bayside devotees is the want of respect of the Mission we are doing for Holy Mother Church. What we are grossly lacking is, again, not so much food or shelter, but a recognition or appreciation by our Catholic peers or clergy. This is the “holy poverty” we all are offering to the Lord. And yet, we, too, have that peace and confidence that can never be taken away. We may be wanting in acclaim, but destitute in spirit we are not. We are truly rich, amassing the graces so generously bestowed by Jesus and Mary on these holy grounds. And with tough times ahead, a wealth of blessings will do far better than a pot of gold. And so, in the New Year of the Lord 2004, we must continue to forge ahead, undaunted, in our unique calling as latter-day disciples. And be assured that with your lowliness and “holy poverty” you are keeping Good Company. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours, With the Holy Family, Michael |
