On the occasion of the arrival of Christmas, the Prior General of the Order, Fr. Miguel Angel Hernandez, addresses his message of greetings to the entire Augustinian Recollect Family. Fr. Michelangelo invites us to contemplate with renewed joy and hope the birth of Jesus-Enmanuel, the Savior who germinated in the midst of humanity. After having gone through Advent crying out “O heavens, rain down your justice, open up, O earth, and make the Savior germinate!”, the moment of celebration arrives in which we remember that our earth, although at times it may seem arid, is always fruitful by the grace of God.
The Prior General’s message reminds us that, despite the headlines that daily show us violence, wars and the worst face of humanity, Christmas enlightens our hearts with the certainty that nothing is lost when we follow Jesus and let Him transform our lives. This Child, God-with-us, invites us to open our hearts, recognizing that the seed of hope can sprout in every corner of the world.
As Pope Francis teaches, “we are all called to discover the welcoming love of God in the Child of Bethlehem.”. This celebration is not limited to the joy of a few festive days: it is an opportunity for personal and community transformation. personal and community transformation.. It is a call to renew our attitudes, to be humble servants and to share with others the Mercy we have received. Thus, in every gesture of love, reconciliation and support for our neighbor, we make Christ present in our society.
This Christmas, the Augustinian Recollect Family finds, in addition, a special reason to rejoice: the Jubilee of Hopewhich calls us to strengthen our fraternity and to remain united in the mission of incarnating this hope in the world. We must not forget that fraternity and unity are an essential part of the Christmas spirit. This festive season encourages us to cross physical and spiritual borders, sharing with those most in need, listening to the cry of those who suffer and building bridges of reconciliation.
May the experience of this mystery, that of God made Child, transform us into true artisans of peace. artisans of peacepromoters of a love that excludes no one, and witnesses to the Light that does not go out, even in the darkness.
Merry Christmas! May the Lord, who has germinated on this earth, fill our homes, our communities, our missions, our lives with his presence and make each one of us blossom with the certainty that, with faith and perseverance, we can be living signs of hope and change in our world.