2019 Christmas Appeal

Dear Columban Friends,

You might ask yourself what do the Holy Family and three “wise men” have to do with Columban missionaries. These men from the East only appear in Saint Matthew’s Gospel. And one of the themes of Saint Matthew is that God has thrown open the gates of salvation to people of all nations. Matthew’s Gospel begins with these sincere men from a far-off country finding their way to the Infant Jesus and ends with the ringing command to “Teach all nations.”

Thanks to your generosity and partnership, this is precisely the task undertaken by Columban missionaries for the past 101 years.

The Feast of the Epiphany that we will celebrate on Sunday, January 5, 2020, is also a celebration of God’s reaching out to all people. Isaiah 60, which will be read on that day, could just as well be speaking to us in the current age:

“Arise and shine for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you, though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples.”

Of course, Christmas is a wonderful time. And we can gain so much by pondering the mysteries portrayed on these cards: the visit of the sages from the East, the Blessed Mother cradling the Infant Jesus, the Holy Family fleeing into Egypt. But even as we celebrate Christmas and enjoy the customs that have become part of this special time of the year, we need to remember the call to share the light of faith we have received and to respond to Jesus’ example by becoming “good news to the poor.”

That is why we invite you to renew your support today and join with us to make the birth of Christ, our Savior, known and loved throughout the world.

Those of us who have much cannot forget that many do not have even the necessities to sustain their life. Those of us who are trying to walk by the light of faith can only interpret the tragic news reports we hear from near and far as meaning that many still walk in darkness.

Please consider renewing your support today. Help us reach out to our sisters and brothers in the far-off lands of our worldwide parish. In gratitude for your help, 100 special Masses will be said for our friends during this blessed and holy time. We will ask the Infant Savior to bless you and yours and grant all your needs.