PARISH PRIEST'S MESSAGE
As we prepare to close the chapter on 2024 and welcome in 2025, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year. This is an opportunity to express our gratitude to God for the blessings we’ve received and to seek His continued favor in the year ahead. The shift from one year to the next, signified by a new calendar, encourages us to contemplate: what does the newness of a year truly entail? Is it simply a change in numbers and months, or does it represent something more profound that we must cultivate within ourselves? The true essence of the New Year extends beyond the calendar; it is found in our personal journey of embracing transformation. If we do not internalize and fully experience this renewal, the year may become merely a series of changing dates and seasons.
Think about the joy that comes with putting on new clothes, getting a new car, or starting a new job. These experiences bring us joy and foster a sense of connection with others. The anticipation and preparation that accompany new beginnings highlight their significance in our lives. Likewise, as we step into 2025, we must be prepared to release the old and let go of what no longer serves us.
Entering the new year requires an internal cleansing—an examination of our minds, attitudes, behaviors, and spirits. It is vital to shed the burdens of the past year that have obstructed our happiness and peace. Just as we clean ourselves before wearing new clothes or taking care of a new vehicle, we must eliminate negativity and undesirable traits from our lives.
Gratitude toward God is essential in this transformative process. Acknowledging His ongoing blessings, especially the precious gift of life and the New Year, prepares our hearts to embrace positive changes. Practicing gratitude daily helps us navigate each day with the hope that new blessings of joy and happiness will manifest.
To make the New Year truly meaningful, we must consciously release old burdens and approach the days ahead with a spirit of gratitude and humility. Just as we ready ourselves for new experiences, we can transform the New Year into a significant journey by spending time with God in prayer. This relationship can empower us to be a blessing to others through our words, actions, and outreach.
Let us draw inspiration from the feast of Mary, the Mother of God, celebrated on January 1st. May we emulate her humility in accepting God’s will and carrying it through our life’s journey. Like her, may we find strength and joy in fulfilling God’s purposes, even when faced with challenges, trusting that we, too, will receive glory in the end.
As we embark on the journey of 2025, let us seek the intercession of Mother Mary, asking her to guide us in walking, living, and leading with humility and devotion to God. May this New Year bring blessings, happiness, and prosperity to all. May God bless us abundantly.
Fr. Manoj Soreng
[Parish Priest]
English 
हिन्दी