Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Uruguay!

Down here in Uruguay we brought the New Year in with a bang in the truest sense of the word. Since laws restricting fireworks are much looser than in the US, everyone here goes out and buys anything they want. The result is one incredible show at midnight with rockets being launched from every quarter of the city. From the roof of the bishop’s residence we were able to enjoy it all with a perfect view.

We had a very beautiful evening, with dinner together with the bishop and the other priests from the cathedral and surrounding parishes. After the fireworks display we returned to the chapel where we celebrated the Mass of Mary, Mother of God together. Despite being tired, it is incredibly beautiful to begin the year by celebrating the Eucharist and entrusting ourselves and the coming year to Our Lord through His mother’s intercession. In addition to being a wonderful moment to renew our self-offering to God, it is also a great strengthening of our unity together. Throughout the year we have to face many challenges and fights, and it is in prayer that we find the strength and love to do it together. I know that ours is not the typical celebration of New Years, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I wish you all of God’s blessings and graces for this coming year. May it be one of joy, peace, and love.