Christmas messages |23 December 2016

 ‘We need to relate to the true light of Christmas’

For the past couple of years Victoria has been illuminated for Christmas and the end-of-year to the delight of children, families and all who had the occasion to pass through the city at night. Traditional representations of the end-of-year symbols have had a place of choice at the city’s roundabouts and open areas, with a special place for Father Christmas.  While appreciating and thanking the authorities and all concerned for this wonderful end of year effort to bring joy to the whole population, an inner voice kept nagging at me saying that something was missing.

And then my mind connected to an article I had read recently and entitled: “Vatican ‘environment friendly’ Christmas tree erected in St. Peter’s Square.” Here is a photo of the erection of this tree with details where it comes from and where the objects for the crib originate:

“This year’s tree is a 25 metre tall red spruce and is from Trento, in the north of Italy. In its original place, local schoolchildren have planted some 40 new spruce and larch seedlings to replace dead trees suffering from a parasite. At the end of the Christmas season, the wood from the tree will be used for charity.

“The ornaments that will adorn the crib are ceramic, and have been made by children in hospitals across Italy who are receiving treatment for cancer and other illnesses.

“The tree will also shine brightly thanks to the some 18,000 Christmas lights which have been especially chosen in respect of the environment: their LED technology allows for extremely low energy consumption. 

The figures and setting of the nativity scene pay tribute to the people who are forced to flee their countries and undertake dangerous journeys across the sea. According to the International Organisation of Migration over 3000 people have died in the Mediterranean this year, but the tally is thought to be higher as many vessels and sinkings go unrecorded.”

(From Vatican Radio relayed by www.vatican.va)

And so I connected with what was missing from the end-of-year lights of our beloved Victoria.

We need to relate to THE TRUE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS, which has not been visible for the past few years.

And so I formulate my first Christmas wish this year. It is also a prayer:  and I ask the Lord that it be realised. Namely, that next year we take up this idea, and that with the lead of the Cathedral Parish a similar project of placing a large Christmas tree and a crib be erected in Victoria together with the wonderful and joyful lights and traditional symbols of our end-of-year celebrations.

My other Christmas wish is for all of us living in the Seychelles. That we may rejoice at Christmas and that we may celebrate with our family and loved ones. But especially that, during this joyous season, each one of us may find THE TRUE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS.

May God, who has shown His tenderness and His mercy in a special way during the last year, bless your family and each of you. May He fill your heart and your life with His love.

JOYEUX NOËL!! BONNE ET HEUREUSE ANNEE à VOUS TOUS !

Bishop Denis Wiehe

Roman Catholic Diocese