Advent greetings to all of you across the Diocese of Sale. 

As you will remember, Pope Francis launched a Holy Year for this year, Pilgrims of Hope. And at the time, he said, everyone knows what it means to hope. And so, as we gather for Advent, preparing for Christmas this year, we think of all the joys and celebrations and some of the challenges of the past year.

I'm really grateful for the many parishes and schools and colleges, for all that has occurred this year to nourish our spiritual lives, to make us welcome, and to focus on the gift of hospitality and the hope of Jesus Christ.

Earlier this year, we had the Diocesan Assembly at Federation University. After years of preparation, we came together - 200 plus people to discover what the Holy Spirit was calling us to do. And so, we have developed a five-year diocesan and pastoral plan, and we invite everyone to be part of that time. It is reminded for us that Advent is a time of hope and expectation.

This year, we journey with the Gospel of Matthew, and we are accompanied on this journey to remember that every moment in our life, God is with us. We go with Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, and just like us, their rose sometimes was unexpected, full of surprises, sometimes sorrow that they received the gift of God sung for us.

In Bethlehem, He is born, but now we celebrate him wherever we are.

As we come towards the end of the year, like me, you might be feeling somewhat weary as a pilgrim, but we are reminded of this journey of life, with all its joys, surprises, sorrows, finds a meaning, a purpose.

Pope Francis said to us that our hope has a name. His name is Jesus Christ.

And so, as we gather at the end of the year to celebrate this great gift of God for us, we are mindful that Bethlehem is discovered wherever we are. The gift of God for us, given his son, fragile baby, a life lived, dying on the cross, rising from the dead, is our hope and our promise. May God bless all of you, and particularly those who have struggled this year with sadness or a shattered dream. May you know the gift of this child we celebrate, and may we, as a people of hope, celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ, born for us.