We are once again celebrating Christmas with all that such an event brings with it. With so many experiences which have been added to our ‘baggage’ along ane other year that has flown by us. We had thought it might be a year which will lead us back to normality, but we're pretty much still in the midst of the pandemic that has changed the structure of so many initiatives and customs we held. It is also an experience that still challenges us to reflect on new ways by which we can go about things.

Among the discussions that have taken prominence on the media locally in recent days, there was the discussion about the tradition of the procession with the statue of baby Jesus in our streets. They were discussions that confronted our values ​​and practices as Christians, with culture, with the political vision set forth in public institutions,  health restrictions, and so many other elements. Each aspect plays its part not only in the way things could be done, but more so in the perception that each one of us builds of the argument and the ongoing public discussion.

Beyond all this - which in a few days will pass like many other topics - I would like to propose a question that I deem important to accompany us along these days: Will Jesus be carried in our hearts? Of course, it's much easier to look on from the balcony or from the sidewalk, and see the sweet little statue being carried on the sholders along the streets. It’s often even easier to invest our energies in the logistics and organisation of various initiatives rather than to seriously challenge ourselves. But in reality, what would Christmas be like if Jesus does not come into our hearts?

We all know that in order for baby Jesus to came to our hearts, we need to make room for him. We need to be able to make the first step, and see what we can clean our hearts from: perhaps with a little humility; compassion; forgiveness; a better order of our priorities; reconciliation with my own weaknesses and those of others; the rediscovery of the fundamental values ​​I embrace. St. Augustine repeatedly refers to the experience of God that dwells in our hearts: “Go back to your heart and see what you think of God. Because it is there that you find the image of God." ( Jo. Eu. Tr. 18,10) Let us do our utmost to welcome Jesus into our hearts and commit ourselves to take him from heart to heart. This is the greatest gift we can give each other. The presence of tiny baby Jesus will surely bring a lot of serenity and peace wherever we are!

This is my wish for all of us my dear brethren and friends, especially those close to our communities and initiatives. The coming year will bring to us Augustinian Friars a Provincial Chapter which I pray, will be a moment of renewal. Let us make it our prayer, that while Jesus comes he instills in us the desire to work genuinely for the renewal of communion among us. May Jesus come into the hearts of our young people and instill in them the courage to answer to his call. May Jesus accompany us in every step and choice we make. May Jesus be amongst us, as we share our faith within every community and within every reality where we Augustinians are present. May baby Jesus roam from heart to heart!

Allow me to end this message by conveying my best wishes and those of my brethren to all those who are part of our projects and realities or close to us in one way or another. One particular thought goes to your and our family members and friends who are sick. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your presence and continued support. Wishing  you and your families serenity and peace of heart this Christmas and the coming year.

Fr Leslie Gatt osa

Prior Provincial